Title 49—Transportation--Volume 1
PART 107—HAZARDOUS MATERIALS PROGRAM PROCEDURES
§ 107.1   Definitions.
All terms defined in 49 U.S.C. 5102 are used in their statutory meaning. Other terms used in this part are defined as follows:
Acting knowingly means acting or failing to act while
(1) Having actual knowledge of the facts giving rise to the violation, or
(2) Having the knowledge that a reasonable person acting in the same circumstances and exercising due care would have had.
Administrator means the Administrator, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration or his or her delegate.
Applicant means the person in whose name a special permit, approval, registration, a renewed or modified special permit or approval, or party status to a special permit is requested to be issued.
Applicant fitness means a determination by PHMSA, the Associate Administrator's designee, or as otherwise prescribed in the HMR, that a special permit or approval applicant is fit to conduct operations requested in the application or an authorized special permit or approval.
Application means a request under subpart B of this part for a special permit, a renewal or modification of a special permit, party status to a special permit, or a request under subpart H of this part for an approval, or renewal or modification of an approval.
Approval means a written authorization, including a competent authority approval, issued by the Associate Administrator, the Associate Administrator's designee, or as otherwise prescribed in the HMR, to perform a function for which prior authorization by the Associate Administrator is required under subchapter C of this chapter (49 CFR parts 171 through 180).
Approval Agency means an organization or a person designated by the PHMSA to certify packagings as having been designed, manufactured, tested, modified, marked or maintained in compliance with applicable DOT regulations.
Associate Administrator means the Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
Competent Authority means a national agency that is responsible, under its national law, for the control or regulation of some aspect of hazardous materials (dangerous goods) transportation. Another term for Competent Authority is “Appropriate authority,” which is used in the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. The Associate Administrator is the United States Competent Authority for purposes of this part 107.
Competent Authority Approval means an approval by the competent authority that is required under an international standard (for example, the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code). Any of the following may be considered a competent authority approval if it satisfies the requirement of an international standard:
(1) A specific regulation in subchapter A or C of this chapter.
(2) A special permit or approval issued under subchapter A or C of this chapter.
(3) A separate document issued to one or more persons by the Associate Administrator.
DOT or Department means U.S. Department of Transportation.
Federal hazardous material transportation law means 49 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.
Filed means received by the appropriate PHMSA or other designated office within the time specified in a regulation or rulemaking document.
Fit or fitness means demonstrated and documented knowledge and capabilities resulting in the assurance of a level of safety and performance necessary to ensure compliance with the applicable provisions and requirements of subchapter C of this chapter or a special permit or approval issued under subchapter C of this chapter.
Fitness coordinator means the PHMSA Field Operations (FOPS) Division officer or an authorized representative or special agent of DOT upon request, such as an Operating Administration (OA) representative, that conducts reviews regarding an organization's hazardous materials operations, including such areas as accident history, on-site inspection, compliance data, and other safety and transportation records to determine whether a special permit or approval applicant is determined to be fit as prescribed in §§ 107.113(f)(5) and 107.709(d)(5).
Holder means the person in whose name a special permit or approval has been issued.
Imminent Hazard means the existence of a condition which presents a substantial likelihood that death, serious illness, severe personal injury, or substantial endangerment to health, property, or the environment may occur before the reasonably foreseeable completion of an administrative hearing or other formal proceeding initiated to abate the risks of those effects.
Incident means an event resulting in the unintended and unanticipated release of a hazardous material or an event meeting incident reporting requirements in § 171.15 or § 171.16 of this chapter.
Indian Tribe has the same meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
Insufficient corrective action means that either a PHMSA Field Operations (FOPS) Division officer or an authorized representative or special agent of DOT upon request, such as an Operating Administration (OA) representative, has determined that evidence of an applicant's corrective action in response to prior enforcement cases is inadequate or incomplete and the basic safety management controls proposed for the type of hazardous material, packaging, procedures, and/or mode of transportation remain inadequate to prevent recurrence of a violation.
Investigation includes investigations authorized under 49 U.S.C. 5121 and inspections authorized under 49 U.S.C. 5118 and 5121.
Manufacturing special permit means a special permit from compliance with specified requirements that otherwise must be met before representing, marking, certifying (including requalifying, inspecting, and testing), selling or offering a packaging or container as meeting the requirements of subchapter C of this chapter governing its use in the transportation in commerce of a hazardous material. A manufacturing special permit is a special permit issued to a manufacturer of packagings who does not offer for transportation or transport hazardous materials in packagings subject to the special permit.
Party means a person, other than a holder, authorized to act under the terms of a special permit.
Person means an individual, firm, copartnership, corporation, company, association, or joint-stock association (including any trustee, receiver, assignee, or similar representative); or a government or Indian tribe (or an agency or instrumentality of any government or Indian tribe) that transports a hazardous material to further a commercial enterprise or offers a hazardous material for transportation in commerce. Person does not include the following:
(1) The United States Postal Service.
(2) Any agency or instrumentality of the Federal government, for the purposes of 49 U.S.C. 5123 (civil penalties) and 5124 (criminal penalties.)
(3) Any government or Indian tribe (or an agency or instrumentality of any government or Indian tribe) that transports hazardous material for a governmental purpose.
Registration means a written acknowledgment from the Associate Administrator that a registrant is authorized to perform a function for which registration is required under subchapter C of this chapter (e.g., registration in accordance with 49 CFR 178.503 regarding marking of packagings). For purposes of subparts A through E, “registration” does not include registration under subpart F or G of this part.
Report means information, other than an application, registration or part thereof, required to be submitted to the Associate Administrator pursuant to this subchapter, subchapter B or subchapter C of this chapter.
Respondent means a person upon whom the PHMSA has served a notice of probable violation.
Special permit means a document issued by the Associate Administrator, the Associate Administrator's designee, or as otherwise prescribed in the HMR, under the authority of 49 U.S.C. 5117 permitting a person to perform a function that is not otherwise permitted under subchapters A or C of this chapter, or other regulations issued under 49 U.S.C. 5101 et seq. (e.g., Federal Motor Carrier Safety routing requirements).
State means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, or any other territory or possession of the United States designated by the Secretary.
Sufficient corrective action means that either a PHMSA Field Operations officer or an authorized representative or special agent of DOT upon request, such as an Operating Administration (OA) representative, has determined that evidence of an applicant's corrective action in response to prior enforcement cases is sufficient and the basic safety management controls proposed for the type of hazardous material, packaging, procedures, and/or mode of transportation are adequate.
Transports or transportation means the movement of property and loading, unloading, or storage incidental to the movement.
§ 107.101   Purpose and scope.
This subpart prescribes procedures for the issuance, modification and termination of special permits from requirements of this subchapter, subchapter C of this chapter, or regulations issued under chapter 51 of 49 U.S.C.
§ 107.105   Application for special permit.
(a) General. Each application for a special permit or modification of a special permit and all supporting documents must be written in English and submitted for timely consideration at least 120 days before the requested effective date and conform to the following requirements:
(1) The application, including a table of contents, must:
(i) Be submitted to the Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety (Attention: General Approvals and Permits, PHH-31), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, East Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001;
(ii) Be submitted with any attached supporting documentation by facsimile (fax) to: (202) 366-3753 or (202) 366-3308;
(iii) Be submitted electronically by e-mail to: specialpermits@dot.gov ; or
(iv) Be submitted using PHMSA's online system (table of contents omitted) at: http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/regs/sp-a.
(2) The application must state the name, mailing address, physical address(es) of all known locations where the special permit would be used, e-mail address (if available), and telephone number of the applicant. If the applicant is not an individual, the application must state the company name, mailing address, physical address(es) of all known locations where the special permit would be used, e-mail address (if available), and telephone number of an individual designated as the point of contact for the applicant for all purposes related to the application, the name of the company Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or president, or ranking officer; and the Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) identifier.
(3) If the applicant is not a resident of the United States, in addition to the information listed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the application must identify and designate an agent that is a permanent resident of the United States for service in accordance with § 105.40 of this part.
(4) For a manufacturing special permit, in addition to the information listed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the application must state the name and street address of each of the facilities of the applicant where manufacturing under the special permit will occur, and the symbol of the packaging manufacturer (“M” number), if applicable.
(5) For persons required to be registered in accordance with Subpart F or G of this part, in addition to the information listed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the application must provide the registration number or the name of the company to which the registration number is assigned if different from the applicant. For persons not required to be registered in accordance with Subpart F or G of this part, in addition to the information listed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the application must provide a statement indicating that registration is not required.
(b) Confidential treatment. To request confidential treatment for information contained in the application, the applicant must comply with § 105.30(a).
(c) Description of special permit proposal. The application must include the following information that is relevant to the special permit proposal:
(1) A citation of the specific regulation from which the applicant seeks relief;
(2) The proposed mode or modes of transportation, including a description of all operational controls required;
(3) A detailed description of the proposed special permit ( e.g., alternative packaging, test, procedure, activity, or hazard communication, including marking and labeling requirements) including, as appropriate, written descriptions, drawings, flow charts, plans and other supporting documents;
(4) A specification of the proposed duration or schedule of events for which the special permit is sought;
(5) A statement outlining the applicant's basis for seeking relief from compliance with the specified regulations and, if the special permit is requested for a fixed period, a description of how compliance will be achieved at the end of that period. For transportation by air, a statement outlining the reason(s) the hazardous material is being transported by air if other modes are available;
(6) If the applicant seeks emergency processing specified in § 107.117, a statement of supporting facts and reasons;
(7) Identification and description, including an estimated quantity of each shipment of the hazardous materials planned for transportation under the special permit or;
(8) Description of each packaging, including specification or special permit number, as applicable, to be used in conjunction with the requested special permit;
(9) For alternative packagings, documentation of quality assurance controls, package design, manufacture, performance test criteria, in-service performance and service-life limitations;
(10) An estimate of the number of operations expected to be conducted or number of shipments to be transported under the special permit;
(11) An estimate of the number of packagings expected to be manufactured under the special permit, if applicable;
(12) A statement as to whether the special permit being sought is related to a compliance review, inspection activity, or enforcement action; and
(13) When a Class 1 material is forbidden for transportation by aircraft except under a special permit ( see Columns 9A and 9B in the table in 49 CFR 172.101), a certification from an applicant for a special permit to transport such Class 1 material on passenger-carrying or cargo-only aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of less than 12,500 pounds that no person within the categories listed in 18 U.S.C. 842(i) will participate in the transportation of the Class 1 material.
(14) A statement indicating whether the applicant will be acting as a shipper (offeror), carrier or both under the terms of the special permit.
(d) Justification of special permit proposal. The application must demonstrate that a special permit achieves a level of safety at least equal to that required by regulation, or if a required safety level does not exist, is consistent with the public interest. At a minimum, the application must provide the following:
(1) Information describing all relevant shipping and incident experience of which the applicant is aware that relates to the application; and
(2) A statement identifying any increased risk to safety or property that may result if the special permit is granted, and a description of the measures to be taken to address that risk; and
(3) Either:
(i) Substantiation, with applicable analyses, data or test results ( e.g., failure mode and effect analysis), that the proposed alternative will achieve a level of safety that is at least equal to that required by the regulation from which the special permit is sought; or
(ii) If the regulations do not establish a level of safety, an analysis that identifies each hazard, potential failure mode and the probability of its occurrence, and how the risks associated with each hazard and failure mode are controlled for the duration of an activity or life-cycle of a packaging.
§ 107.107   Application for party status.
(a) Any person eligible to apply for a special permit may apply to be a party to an application or an existing special permit, other than a manufacturing special permit.
(b) Each application filed under this section must conform to the following requirements:—
(1) The application must:
(i) Be submitted to the Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety (Attention: General Approvals and Permits, PHH-31), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, East Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001;
(ii) Be submitted with any attached supporting documentation by facsimile (fax) to: (202) 366-3753 or (202) 366-3308; or
(iii) Be submitted by electronically by e-mail to: specialpermits@dot.gov, or on-line at: http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/regs/sp-a.
(2) The application must identify by number the special permit application or special permit to which the applicant seeks to become a party.
(3) The application must state the name, mailing address, physical address(es) of all known locations where the special permit would be used, e-mail address (if available), and telephone number of the applicant. If the applicant is not an individual, the application must state the company name, mailing address, physical address(es) of all known locations where the special permit would be used, e-mail address (if available), and telephone number of an individual designated as the point of contact for the applicant for all purposes related to the application, the name of the company Chief Executive Officer (CEO), president, or ranking executive officer and the Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) identifier. In addition, each applicant must state why party status to the special permit is needed and must submit a certification of understanding of the provisions of the special permit to which party status is being requested.
(4) If the applicant is not a resident of the United States, the application must identify and designate an agent that is a permanent resident of the United States for service in accordance with § 105.40 of part.
(5) For a Class 1 material that is forbidden for transportation by aircraft except under a special permit ( see Columns 9A and 9B in the table in 49 CFR 172.101), a certification from an applicant for party status to a special permit to transport such Class 1 material on passenger-carrying or cargo-only aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of less than 12,500 pounds that no person within the categories listed in 18 U.S.C. 842(i) will participate in the transportation of the Class 1 material.
(6) The applicant must certify that the applicant has not previously been granted party status to the special permit. If the applicant has previously been granted party status, the applicant must follow renewal procedures as specified in § 107.109.
(7) A statement indicating whether the applicant will be acting as a shipper (offeror), carrier or both under the terms of the special permit.
(c) The Associate Administrator may grant or deny an application for party status in the manner specified in § 107.113(e) and (f) of this subpart.
(d) A party to a special permit is subject to all terms of that special permit, including the expiration date. If a party to a special permit wishes to renew party status, the special permit renewal procedures set forth in § 107.109 apply.
§ 107.109   Application for renewal.
(a) Each application for renewal of a special permit or party status to a special permit must conform to the following requirements:
(1) The application must:
(i) Be submitted to the Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety (Attention: General Approvals and Permits, PHH-31), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, East Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001;
(ii) Be submitted with any attached supporting documentation submitted in an appropriate format by facsimile (fax) to: (202) 366-3753 or (202) 366-3308; or
(iii) Be submitted electronically by e-mail to: specialpermits@dot.gov; or on-line at: http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/regs/sp-a.
(2) The application must identify by number the special permit for which renewal is requested.
(3) The application must state the name, mailing address, physical address(es) of all known new locations not previously identified in the application where the special permit would be used and all locations not previously identified where the special permit was used, e-mail address (if available), and telephone number of the applicant. If the applicant is not an individual, the application must state the name, mailing address, physical address(es) of all known new locations not previously identified in the application where the special permit would be used and all locations not previously identified where the special permit was used, e-mail address (if available), and telephone number of an individual designated as the point of contact for the applicant for all purposes related to the application, the name of the company Chief Executive Officer (CEO), president, or ranking executive officer, and the Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) identifier. In addition, each applicant for renewal of party status must state why party status to the special permit is needed and must submit a certification of understanding of the provisions of the special permit to which party status is being requested.
(4) The application must include either a certification by the applicant that the original application, as it may have been updated by any application for renewal, remains accurate ( e.g., all section references, shipping descriptions, email address, etc.) and complete; or include an amendment to the previously submitted application as is necessary to update and ensure the accuracy and completeness of the application, with certification by the applicant that the application as amended is accurate and complete.
(5) The application must include a statement describing all relevant operational, shipping, and incident experience of which the applicant is aware in connection with the special permit since its issuance or most recent renewal. If the applicant is aware of no incidents, the applicant must so certify. When known to the applicant, the statement must indicate the approximate number of shipments made or packages shipped, as applicable, and the number of shipments or packages involved in any loss of contents, including loss by venting other than as authorized in subchapter C.
(6) When a Class 1 material is forbidden for transportation by aircraft, except under a special permit ( see Columns 9A and 9B in the table in 49 CFR 172.101), an application to renew a special permit to transport such Class 1 material on passenger-carrying or cargo-only aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of less than 12,500 pounds must certify that no person within the categories listed in 18 U.S.C. 842(i) will participate in the transportation of the Class 1 material.
(7) If the renewal is requested after the expiration date of the special permit, the following information is required:
(i) The reason the special permit authorization was allowed to expire;
(ii) A certification statement that no shipments were transported after the expiration date of the special permit, or a statement describing any transportation under the terms of the special permit after the expiration date, if applicable; and
(iii) A statement describing the action(s) the applicant will take to ensure future renewal is requested before the expiration date.
(8) If no operations or shipments have been made since the issuance or renewal of the special permit, the applicant must provide specific justification as to why the special permit should be renewed.
(9) A statement indicating whether the applicant will be acting as a shipper (offeror), carrier or both under the terms of the special permit.
(b) If, at least 60 days before an existing special permit expires the holder files an application for renewal that is complete and conforms to the requirements of this section, the special permit will not expire until final administrative action on the application for renewal has been taken.
§ 107.111   Withdrawal.
An application may be withdrawn at any time before a decision to grant or deny it is made. Withdrawal of an application does not authorize the removal of any related records from the PHMSA dockets or files. Applications that are eligible for confidential treatment under § 105.30 will remain confidential after the application is withdrawn. The duration of this confidential treatment for trade secrets and commercial or financial information is indefinite, unless the party requesting the confidential treatment of the materials notifies the Associate Administrator that the confidential treatment is no longer required.
§ 107.113   Application processing and evaluation.
(a) The Associate Administrator reviews an application for a special permit, modification of a special permit, party to a special permit, or renewal of a special permit in conformance with the standard operating procedures specified in appendix A of this part (“Standard Operating Procedures for Special Permits and Approvals”) to determine if it is complete and conforms with the requirements of this subpart. This determination will typically be made within 30 days of receipt of the application for a special permit, modification of a special permit, or party to a special permit, and typically within 15 days of receipt of an application for renewal of a special permit. If an application is determined to be incomplete, the Associate Administrator may reject the application. If that occurs, PHMSA will inform the applicant of the deficiency in writing.
(b) An application, that is not a renewal, party to, or emergency special permit application, and is determined to be complete is docketed. Notice of the application is published in the Federal Register, and an opportunity for public comment is provided. All comments received during the comment period are considered before final action is taken on the application.
(c) No public hearing or other formal proceeding is required under this subpart before the disposition of an application. Unless emergency processing under § 107.117 is requested and granted, applications are usually processed in the order in which they are filed.
(d) During the processing and evaluation of an application, the Associate Administrator may conduct an on-site review or request additional information from the applicant. A failure to cooperate with an on-site review may result in the application being deemed incomplete and subsequently being denied. If the applicant does not respond to a written or electronic request for additional information within 30 days of the date the request was received, the application may be deemed incomplete and denied. However, if the applicant responds in writing or by electronic means within the 30-day period requesting an additional 30 days within which it will gather the requested information, the Associate Administrator may grant the 30-day extension.
(e) The Associate Administrator may grant or deny an application, in whole or in part. In the Associate Administrator's discretion, an application may be granted subject to provisions that are appropriate to protect health, safety or property. The Associate Administrator may impose additional provisions not specified in the application or remove conditions in the application that are unnecessary.
(f) The Associate Administrator may grant an application on finding that—
(1) The application complies with this subpart;
(2) The application demonstrates that the proposed alternative will achieve a level of safety that:
(i) Is at least equal to that required by the regulation from which the special permit is sought, or
(ii) If the regulations do not establish a level of safety, is consistent with the public interest and adequately will protect against the risks to life and property inherent in the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce;
(3) The application states all material facts, and contains no materially false or materially misleading statement;
(4) The applicant meets the qualifications required by applicable regulations; and
(5) The applicant is fit to conduct the activity authorized by the special permit. This assessment may be based on information in the application, prior compliance history of the applicant, and other information available to the Associate Administrator.
(g) An applicant is notified in writing or by electronic means whether the application is granted or denied. A denial contains a brief statement of reasons.
(h) The initial special permit terminates according to its terms or, if not otherwise specified, 24 months from the date of issuance. A subsequent renewal of a special permit terminates according to its terms or, if not otherwise specified, 48 months after the date of issuance. A grant of party status to a special permit, unless otherwise stated, terminates on the date that the special permit expires.
(i) The Associate Administrator, on determining that an application concerns a matter of general applicability and future effect and should be the subject of rulemaking, may initiate rulemaking under part 106 of this chapter in addition to or instead of acting on the application.
(j) The Associate Administrator publishes in the Federal Register a list of all special permit grants, denials, and modifications and all special permit applications withdrawn under this section.
§ 107.117   Emergency processing.
(a) An application is granted emergency processing if the Associate Administrator, on the basis of the application and any inquiry undertaken, finds that:
(1) Emergency processing is necessary to prevent significant injury to persons or property (other than the hazardous material to be transported) that could not be prevented if the application were processed on a routine basis;
(2) Emergency processing is necessary for immediate national security purposes;
(3) Emergency processing is necessary to prevent significant economic loss that could not be prevented if the application were processed on a routine basis; or
(4) Emergency processing is necessary in support of an essential governmental (domestic or foreign) function that could not be satisfied if the application were processed on a routine basis.
(b) Where the significant economic loss is to the applicant, or to a party in a contractual relationship to the applicant with respect to the activity to be undertaken, the Associate Administrator may deny emergency processing if timely application could have been made.
(c) A request for emergency processing on the basis of potential economic loss must reasonably describe and estimate the potential loss.
(d) An application submitted under this section must conform to § 107.105 to the extent that the receiving Department official deems necessary to process the application. An application on an emergency basis must be submitted to the Department modal contact official for the initial mode of transportation to be utilized, as follows:
(1) Certificate-Holding Aircraft: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Director, Office of Hazardous Materials Safety is responsible for the aircraft operator's hazardous materials safety program. The Director, Office of Hazardous Materials Safety, may be reached by calling the FAA Washington Operations Center at 202-267-3333 (any hour), or visiting FAA's website.
(2) Noncertificate-Holding Aircraft (Those Which Operate Under 14 CFR part 91): The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regional Office that serves the place where the flight will originate. The nearest Regional Office may be located by calling the FAA Washington Operations Center at 202-267-3333 or visiting FAA's website.
(3) Motor Vehicle Transportation: Chief, Hazardous Materials Division, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590-0001, 202-385-2400 (day); 1-800-424-8802 (night).
(4) Rail Transportation: Staff Director, Hazardous Materials Division, Office of Safety Assurance and Compliance, Federal Railroad Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590-0001, 202-493-6248 or 202-493-6244 (day); 1-800-424-8802 (night).
(5) Water Transportation: Chief, Hazardous Materials Standards Division, Office of Operating and Environmental Standards, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20593-0001; 202-372-1420 (day); 1-800-424-8802 (night).
(e) Upon receipt of all information necessary to process the application, the receiving Department official transmits to the Associate Administrator, by the most rapidly available means of communication, an evaluation as to whether an emergency exists under § 107.117(a) and, if appropriate, recommendations as to the conditions to be included in the special permit. The Associate Administrator will review an application for emergency processing of a special permit in conformance with the standard operating procedures specified in appendix A of this part (“Standard Operating Procedures for Special Permits and Approvals”) to determine if it is complete and conforms with the requirements of this subpart. If the Associate Administrator determines that an emergency exists under § 107.117(a) and that, with reference to the criteria of § 107.113(f), granting of the application is in the public interest, the Associate Administrator will grant the application subject to such terms as necessary and immediately notify the applicant. If the Associate Administrator determines that an emergency does not exist or that granting of the application is not in the public interest, the applicant will be notified immediately.
(f) A determination that an emergency does not exist is not subject to reconsideration under § 107.123 of this part.
(g) Within 90 days following issuance of an emergency special permit, the Associate Administrator will publish, in the Federal Register, a notice of issuance with a statement of the basis for the finding of emergency and the scope and duration of the special permit.
§ 107.121   Modification, suspension or termination of special permit or grant of party status.
(a) The Associate Administrator may modify a special permit or grant of party status on finding that:
(1) Modification is necessary so that the special permit reflects current statutes and regulations; or
(2) Modification is required by changed circumstances to meet the standards of § 107.113(f).
(b) The Associate Administrator may modify, suspend or terminate a special permit or grant of party status, as appropriate, on finding that:
(1) Because of a change in circumstances, the special permit or party status no longer is needed or no longer would be granted if applied for;
(2) The application contained inaccurate or incomplete information, and the special permit or party status would not have been granted had the application been accurate and complete;
(3) The application contained deliberately inaccurate or incomplete information; or
(4) The holder or party knowingly has violated the terms of the special permit or an applicable requirement of this chapter in a manner demonstrating the holder or party is not fit to conduct the activity authorized by the special permit.
(c) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, before a special permit or grant of party status is modified, suspended, or terminated, the Associate Administrator notifies the holder or party in writing or by electronic means of the proposed action and the reasons for it, and provides an opportunity to show cause why the proposed action should not be taken.
(1) Within 30 days of receipt of notice of the proposed action, the holder or party may file a response in writing or by electronic means that shows cause why the proposed action should not be taken.
(2) After considering the holder's or party's response, or after 30 days have passed without response since receipt of the notice, the Associate Administrator notifies the holder or party in writing or by electronic means of the final decision with a brief statement of reasons.
(d) The Associate Administrator, if necessary to avoid a risk of significant harm to persons or property, may, in the notification, declare the proposed action immediately effective.
§ 107.123   Reconsideration.
(a) An applicant for special permit, a special permit holder, or an applicant for party status to a special permit may request that the Associate Administrator reconsider a decision under § 107.113(g), § 107.117(e) or § 107.121(c) of this part. The request must—
(1) Be in writing or by electronic means and filed within 20 days of receipt of the decision;
(2) State in detail any alleged errors of fact and law;
(3) Enclose any additional information needed to support the request to reconsider; and
(4) State in detail the modification of the final decision sought.
(b) The Associate Administrator grants or denies, in whole or in part, the relief requested and informs the requesting person in writing or by electronic means of the decision. If necessary to avoid a risk of significant harm to persons or property, the Associate Administrator may, in the notification, declare the action immediately effective.
§ 107.125   Appeal.
(a) A person who requested reconsideration under § 107.123 and is denied the relief requested may appeal to the Administrator. The appeal must—
(1) Be in writing or by electronic means and filed within 30 days of receipt of the Associate Administrator's decision on reconsideration;
(2) State in detail any alleged errors of fact and law;
(3) Enclose any additional information needed to support the appeal; and
(4) State in detail the modification of the final decision sought.
(b) The Administrator, if necessary to avoid a risk of significant harm to persons or property, may declare the Associate Administrator's action effective pending a decision on appeal.
(c) The Administrator grants or denies, in whole or in part, the relief requested and informs the appellant in writing or by electronic means of the decision. The Administrator's decision is the final administrative action.
§ 107.127   Availability of documents for public inspection.
(a) Documents related to an application under this subpart, including the application itself, are available for public inspection, except as specified in paragraph (b) of this section, at the Office of the Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Approvals and Permits Division, U.S. Department of Transportation, East Building, PHH-30, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays when the office is closed. Copies of available documents may be obtained as provided in part 7 of this title. Documents numbered 11832 and above may also be viewed at the website address http://www.regulations.gov.
(b) Documents available for inspection do not include materials determined to be withheld from public disclosure under § 105.30 and in accordance with the applicable provisions of section 552(b) of title 5, United States Code, and part 7 of this title.
§ 107.201   Purpose and scope.
(a) This subpart prescribes procedures by which:
(1) Any person, including a State, political subdivision, or Indian tribe, directly affected by a requirement of a State, political subdivision, or Indian tribe, may apply for a determination as to whether that requirement is preempted under 49 U.S.C. 5125.
(2) A State, political subdivision, or Indian tribe may apply for a waiver of preemption with respect to any requirement that the State, political subdivision, or Indian tribe acknowledges to be preempted by 49 U.S.C. 5125, or that has been determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be so preempted.
(b) For purposes of this subpart “political subdivision” includes a municipality; a public agency or other instrumentality of one or more States, municipalities, or other political subdivisions of a State; or a public corporation, board, or commission established under the laws of one or more States.
(c) [Reserved]
(d) An application for a preemption determination that includes an application for a waiver of preemption will be treated and processed solely as an application for a preemption determination.
§ 107.202   Standards for determining preemption.
(a) Except as provided in § 107.221 and unless otherwise authorized by Federal law, any requirement of a State or political subdivision thereof or an Indian tribe that concerns one of the following subjects and that is not substantively the same as any provision of the Federal hazardous materials transportation law, a regulation issued under the Federal hazardous material transportation law, or a hazardous material transportation security regulation or directive issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security that concerns that subject, is preempted:
(1) The designation, description, and classification of hazardous material.
(2) The packing, repacking, handling, labeling, marking, and placarding of hazardous material.
(3) The preparation, execution, and use of shipping documents pertaining to hazardous material and requirements related to the number, content, and placement of those documents.
(4) The written notification, recording, and reporting of the unintentional release in transportation of hazardous material and other written hazardous materials transportation incident reporting involving State or local emergency responders in the initial response to the incident.
(5) The design, manufacturing, fabrication, marking, maintenance, reconditioning, repairing, or testing of a packaging or a container which is represented, marked, certified, or sold as qualified for use in the transportation of hazardous material.
(b) Except as provided in § 107.221 and unless otherwise authorized by Federal law, any requirement of a State or political subdivision or Indian tribe is preempted if—
(1) It is not possible to comply with a requirement of the State, political subdivision, or Indian tribe and a requirement under the Federal hazardous material transportation law, a regulation issued under the Federal hazardous material transportation law, or a hazardous material transportation security regulation or directive issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security;
(2) The requirement of the State, political subdivision, or Indian tribe, as applied or enforced, is an obstacle to accomplishing and carrying out the Federal hazardous material transportation law, a regulation issued under the Federal hazardous material transportation law, or a hazardous material transportation security regulation or directive issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
(3) It is preempted under 49 U.S.C. 5125 (c).
(c) A State, political subdivision, or Indian tribe may impose a fee related to transporting hazardous material only if the fee is fair and used for a purpose related to transporting hazardous material, including enforcement and planning, developing and maintaining a capability for emergency response.
(d) For purposes of this section, “substantively the same” means that the non-Federal requirement conforms in every significant respect to the Federal requirement. Editorial and other similar de minimis changes are permitted.
§ 107.203   Application.
(a) With the exception of highway routing matters covered under 49 U.S.C. 5125(c), any person, including a State or political subdivision thereof or an Indian tribe, directly affected by any requirement of a State or political subdivision thereof or an Indian tribe, may apply to the Chief Counsel for a determination as to whether that requirement is preempted by § 107.202(a), (b), or (c).
(b) Each application filed under this section for a determination must:
(1) Be submitted to the Chief Counsel:
(i) By mail addressed to the Chief Counsel, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, East Building, PHC-1, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001;
(ii) By facsimile to 202-366-7041; or
(iii) Electronically to the Chief Counsel at phmsachiefcounsel@dot.gov.
(2) Set forth the text of the State or political subdivision or Indian tribe requirement for which the determination is sought;
(3) Specify each requirement of the Federal hazardous materials transportation law, regulations issued under the Federal hazardous material transportation law, or hazardous material transportation security regulations or directives issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security with which the applicant seeks the State or political subdivision or Indian tribe requirement to be compared;
(4) Explain why the applicant believes the State or political subdivision or Indian tribe requirement should or should not be preempted under the standards of § 107.202; and
(5) State how the applicant is affected by the State or political subdivision or Indian tribe requirement.
(c) The filing of an application for a determination under this section does not constitute grounds for noncompliance with any requirement of the Federal hazardous materials transportation law, regulations issued under the Federal hazardous material transportation law, or hazardous material transportation security regulations or directives issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
(d) Once the Chief Counsel has published notice in the Federal Register of an application received under paragraph (a) of this section, no applicant for such determination may seek relief with respect to the same or substantially the same issue in any court until final action has been taken on the application or until 180 days after filing of the application, whichever occurs first. Nothing in § 107.203(a) prohibits a State or political subdivision thereof or Indian tribe, or any other person directly affected by any requirement of a State or political subdivision thereof or Indian tribe, from seeking a determination of preemption in any court of competent jurisdiction in lieu of applying to the Chief Counsel under paragraph (a) of this section.
§ 107.205   Notice.
(a) If the applicant is other than a State, political subdivision, or Indian tribe, the applicant shall mail a copy of the application to the State, political subdivision, or Indian tribe concerned accompanied by a statement that the State, political subdivision, or Indian tribe may submit comments regarding the application to the Chief Counsel. The application filed with the Chief Counsel must include a certification that the applicant has complied with this paragraph and must include the names and addresses of each State, political subdivision, or Indian tribe official to whom a copy of the application was sent.
(b) The Chief Counsel will publish notice of, including an opportunity to comment on, an application in the Federal Register and may notify in writing any person readily identifiable as affected by the outcome of the determination.
(c) Each person submitting written comments to the Chief Counsel with respect to an application filed under this section must send a copy of the comments to the applicant and certify to the Chief Counsel that he or she has complied with this requirement. The Chief Counsel may notify other persons participating in the proceeding of the comments and provide an opportunity for those other persons to respond. Late-filed comments are considered so far as practicable.
§ 107.207   Processing.
(a) The Chief Counsel may initiate an investigation of any statement in an application and utilize in his or her evaluation any relevant facts obtained by that investigation. The Chief Counsel may solicit and accept submissions from third persons relevant to an application and will provide the applicant an opportunity to respond to all third person submissions. In evaluating an application, the Chief Counsel may consider any other source of information. The Chief Counsel on his or her own initiative may convene a hearing or conference, if he or she considers that a hearing or conference will advance his or her evaluation of the application.
(b) The Chief Counsel may dismiss the application without prejudice if:
(1) He or she determines that there is insufficient information upon which to base a determination; or
(2) He or she requests additional information from the applicant and it is not submitted.
§ 107.209   Determination.
(a) Upon consideration of the application and other relevant information received, the Chief Counsel issues a determination.
(b) The determination includes a written statement setting forth the relevant facts and the legal basis for the determination, and provides that any person aggrieved thereby may file a petition for reconsideration with the Chief Counsel.
(c) The Chief Counsel provides a copy of the determination to the applicant and to any other person who substantially participated in the proceeding or requested in comments to the docket to be notified of the determination. A copy of each determination is placed on file in the public docket. The Chief Counsel will publish the determination or notice of the determination in the Federal Register, at which time the determination becomes a final agency action.
(d) A determination issued under this section constitutes an administrative determination as to whether a particular requirement of a State or political subdivision or Indian tribe is preempted under the Federal hazardous materials transportation law. The fact that a determination has not been issued under this section with respect to a particular requirement of a State or political subdivision or Indian tribe carries no implication as to whether the requirement is preempted under the Federal hazardous materials transportation law.
§ 107.211   Petition for reconsideration.
(a) Any person aggrieved by a determination issued under § 107.209 may file a petition for reconsideration. The petition must be filed with the Chief Counsel, in the same manner specified for filing an application in § 107.203(b), within 20 days of publication of the determination in the Federal Register.
(b) The petition must contain a concise statement of the basis for seeking review, including any specific factual or legal error alleged. If the petition requests consideration of information that was not previously made available to the Chief Counsel, the petition must include the reasons why such information was not previously made available.
(c) The petitioner shall mail a copy of the petition to each person who participated, either as an applicant or commenter, in the preemption determination proceeding, accompanied by a statement that the person may submit comments concerning the petition to the Chief Counsel within 20 days. The petition filed with the Chief Counsel must contain a certification that the petitioner has complied with this paragraph and include the names and addresses of all persons to whom a copy of the petition was sent. Late-filed comments are considered so far as practicable.
(d) The Chief Counsel will publish the decision on the petition for reconsideration or notice of the decision in the Federal Register, at which time the decision on the petition for reconsideration becomes a final agency action.
§ 107.213   Judicial review.
A party to a proceeding under § 107.203(a) may seek review of a determination of the Chief Counsel by filing a petition, within 60 days after the determination becomes final, in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia or in the Court of Appeals for the United States for the circuit in which the person resides or has its principal place of business.
§ 107.215   Application.
(a) With the exception of requirements preempted under 49 U.S.C. 5125(c), a State or political subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe may apply to the Chief Counsel for a waiver of preemption with respect to any requirement that the State or political subdivision thereof or Indian tribe acknowledges to be preempted under the Federal hazardous materials transportation law, or that has been determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be so preempted. The Chief Counsel may waive preemption with respect to such requirement upon a determination that such requirement—
(1) Affords an equal or greater level of protection to the public than is afforded by the requirements of the Federal hazardous material transportation law or the regulations issued thereunder, and
(2) Does not unreasonably burden commerce.
(b) Each application filed under this section for a waiver of preemption determination must:
(1) Be submitted to the Chief Counsel:
(i) By mail addressed to the Chief Counsel, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, East Building, PHC-1, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001;
(ii) By facsimile to 202-366-7041; or
(iii) Electronically to the Chief Counsel at phmsachiefcounsel@dot.gov.
(2) Set forth the text of the State or political subdivision requirement for which the determination is being sought;
(3) Include a copy of any court order and any ruling issued under § 107.209 having a bearing on the application;
(4) Contain an express acknowledgment by the applicant that the State, political subdivision, or Indian tribe requirement is preempted under Federal hazardous materials transportation law, unless it has been so determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or in a determination issued under § 107.209;
(5) Specify each requirement of the Federal hazardous materials transportation law that preempts the State, political subdivision, or Indian tribe requirement;
(6) State why the applicant believes the State, political subdivision or Indian tribe requirements affords an equal or greater level of protection to the public than is afforded by the requirements of the Federal hazardous material transportation law or the regulations issued thereunder;
(7) State why the applicant believes the State, political subdivision or Indian tribe requirement does not unreasonably burden commerce; and
(8) Specify what steps the State, political subdivision or Indian tribe is taking to administer and enforce effectively its inconsistent requirement.
§ 107.217   Notice.
(a) The applicant shall mail a copy of the application and any subsequent amendments or other documents relating to the application to each person who is reasonably ascertainable by the applicant as a person who will be affected by the determination sought. The copy of the application must be accompanied by a statement that the person may submit comments regarding the application within 45 days. The application must include a certification that the application has complied with this paragraph and must include the names and addresses of each person to whom the application was sent.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, if the State or political subdivision determines that compliance with paragraph (a) of this section would be impracticable, the applicant shall:
(1) Comply with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section with regard to those persons whom it is reasonable and practicable to notify; and
(2) Include with the application a description of the persons or class or classes of persons to whom notice was not sent.
(c) The Chief Counsel may require the applicant to provide notice in addition to that required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, or may determine that the notice required by paragraph (a) of the section is not impracticable, or that notice should be published in the Federal Register. Late-filed comments are considered so far as practicable.
(d) The Chief Counsel may notify any other persons who may be affected by the outcome of a determination on the application.
(e) Any person submitting written comments with respect to an application filed under this section shall send a copy of the comments to the applicant. The person shall certify that he has complied with the requirements of this paragraph. The Chief Counsel may notify other persons participating in the proceeding of the comments and provide an opportunity for those other persons to respond.
§ 107.219   Processing.
(a) The Chief Counsel may initiate an investigation of any statement in an application and utilize in his or her evaluation any relevant facts obtained by that investigation. The Chief Counsel may solicit and accept submissions from third persons relevant to an application and will provide the applicant an opportunity to respond to all third person submissions. In evaluating an application, the Chief Counsel on his or her own initiative may convene a hearing or conference, if he or she considers that a hearing or conference will advance his or her evaluation of the application.
(b) The Chief Counsel may dismiss the application without prejudice if:
(1) He or she determines that there is insufficient information upon which to base a determination;
(2) Upon his or her request, additional information is not submitted by the applicant; or
(3) The applicant fails to provide the notice required by § 107.217.
(c) The Chief Counsel will only consider an application for waiver of preemption determination if—
(1) The applicant State or political subdivision thereof or Indian tribe expressly acknowledges in its application that the State or political subdivision or Indian tribe requirement for which the determination is sought is inconsistent with the requirements of the Federal hazardous materials transportation law, regulations issued under the Federal hazardous material transportation law, or hazardous material transportation security regulations or directives issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
(2) The State or political subdivision thereof or Indian tribe requirement has been determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or in a ruling issued under § 107.209 to be inconsistent with the requirements of the Federal hazardous materials transportation law, regulations issued under the Federal hazardous material transportation law, or hazardous material transportation security regulations or directives issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
(d) When the Chief Counsel has received all substantive information it considers necessary to process an application for a waiver of preemption determination, it serves notice of that fact upon the applicant and all other persons who received notice of the proceeding pursuant to § 107.217.
(e) To the extent possible, each application for a waiver of preemption determination will be acted upon in a manner consistent with the disposition of previous applications for waiver of preemption determinations.
§ 107.221   Determination.
(a) After considering the application and other relevant information received or obtained during the proceeding, the Chief Counsel issues a determination.
(b) The Chief Counsel may issue a waiver of preemption only on finding that the requirement of the State or political subdivision thereof or Indian tribe affords the public a level of safety at least equal to that afforded by the requirements of the Federal hazardous material transportation law or the regulations issued thereunder and does not unreasonably burden commerce. In determining if the requirement of the State or political subdivision thereof or Indian tribe unreasonably burdens commerce, the Chief Counsel considers:
(1) The extent to which increased costs and impairment of efficiency result from the requirement of the State or political subdivision thereof or Indian tribe.
(2) Whether the requirement of the State or political subdivision thereof or Indian tribe has a rational basis.
(3) Whether the requirement of the State or political subdivision thereof or Indian tribe achieves its stated purpose.
(4) Whether there is need for uniformity with regard to the subject concerned and if so, whether the requirement of the State or political subdivision thereof or Indian tribe competes or conflicts with those of other States or political subdivisions thereof or Indian tribes.
(c) The determination includes a written statement setting forth relevant facts and legal bases and providing that any person aggrieved by the determination may file a petition for reconsideration with the Chief Counsel.
(d) The Chief Counsel provides a copy of the determination to the applicant and to any other person who substantially participated in the proceeding or requested in comments to the docket to be notified of the determination. A copy of the determination is placed on file in the public docket. The Chief Counsel will publish the determination or notice of the determination in the Federal Register, at which time the determination becomes a final agency action.
(e) A determination under this section constitutes an administrative finding of whether a particular requirement of a State or political subdivision thereof or Indian tribe is preempted under the Federal hazardous materials transportation law, or whether preemption is waived.
§ 107.223   Petition for reconsideration.
(a) Any person aggrieved by a determination under § 107.221 may file a petition for reconsideration. The petition must be filed with the Chief Counsel, in the same manner specified for filing an application in § 107.215(b), within 20 days of publication of the determination in the Federal Register.
(b) The petition must contain a concise statement of the basis for seeking review, including any specific factual or legal error alleged. If the petition requests consideration of information that was not previously made available to the Chief Counsel, the petition must include the reasons why such information was not previously made available.
(c) The petitioner shall mail a copy of the petition to each person who participated, either as an applicant or commenter, in the waiver of preemption proceeding, accompanied by a statement that the person may submit comments concerning the petition to the Chief Counsel within 20 days. The petition filed with the Chief Counsel must contain a certification that the petitioner has complied with this paragraph and include the names and addresses of all persons to whom a copy of the petition was sent. Late-filed comments are considered so far as practicable.
(d) The Chief Counsel will publish the decision on the petition for reconsideration or notice of the decision in the Federal Register, at which time the decision on the petition for reconsideration becomes a final agency action.
§ 107.227   Judicial review.
A party to a proceeding under § 107.215(a) may seek review of a determination of the Chief Counsel by filing a petition, within 60 days after the determination becomes final, in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia or in the Court of Appeals for the United States for the circuit in which the person resides or has its principal place of business.
§ 107.301   Delegated authority for enforcement.
Under redelegation from the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety and the Office of the Chief Counsel exercise their authority for enforcement of the Federal hazardous material transportation law, Federal Water Pollution Control Act, this subchapter, and subchapters B and C of this chapter, in accordance with § 1.97 of this title.
§ 107.303   Purpose and scope.
This subchapter describes the various enforcement authorities exercised by the Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety and the Office of Chief Counsel and the associated sanctions and prescribes the procedures governing the exercise of those authorities and the imposition of those sanctions.
§ 107.305   Investigations.
(a) General. In accordance with its delegated authority under part 1 of this title, the Associate Administrator may initiate investigations relating to compliance by any person with any provisions of this subchapter, subchapter B of this chapter, or subchapter C of this chapter, or any special permit, approval, response plan, or order issued thereunder, or any court decree relating thereto. The Associate Administrator encourages voluntary production of documents in accordance with and subject to § 105.45 of this subchapter, and hearings may be conducted, and depositions taken pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 5121(a). The Associate Administrator may conduct investigative conferences and hearings in the course of any investigation.
(b) Investigations and Inspections. Investigations under 49 U.S.C. 5121(a) are conducted by personnel duly authorized for that purpose by the Associate Administrator. Inspections under 49 U.S.C. 5121(c) are conducted by Hazardous Materials Enforcement Specialists or Hazardous Materials Compliance Investigators, also known as “hazmat investigators” or “investigators,” whom the Associate Administrator has designated for that purpose.
(1) An investigator will, on request, present his or her credentials for examination, but the credentials may not be reproduced.
(2) An investigator may administer oaths and receive affirmations in any matter under investigation by the Associate Administrator.
(3) An investigator may gather information by reasonable means including, but not limited to, interviews, statements, photocopying, photography, and video- and audio-recording.
(4) With concurrence of the Director, Field Operations, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, an investigator may issue a subpoena for the production of documentary or other tangible evidence if, on the basis of information available to the investigator, the documents and evidence materially will advance a determination of compliance with this subchapter or subchapter C. Service of a subpoena shall be in accordance with § 105.50. A person to whom a subpoena is directed may seek review of the subpoena by applying to the Office of Chief Counsel in accordance with § 105.55(a). A subpoena issued under this paragraph may be enforced in accordance with § 105.55(b).
(c) Notification. Any person who is the subject of an Associate Administrator investigation and who is requested to furnish information or documentary evidence is notified as to the general purpose for which the information or evidence is sought.
(d) Termination. When the facts disclosed by an investigation indicate that further action is unnecessary or unwarranted at that time, the person being investigated is notified and the investigative file is closed without prejudice to further investigation by the Associate Administrator.
(e) Confidentiality. Information received in an investigation under this section, including the identity of the person investigated and any other person who provides information during the investigation, shall remain confidential under the investigatory file exception, or other appropriate exception, to the public disclosure requirements of 5 U.S.C. 552.
§ 107.307   General.
(a) When the Associate Administrator and the Office of Chief Counsel have reason to believe that a person is knowingly engaging or has knowingly engaged in conduct which is a violation of the Federal hazardous material transportation law or any provision of this subchapter or subchapter C of this chapter, or any exemption, special permit, or order issued thereunder, for which the Associate Administrator or the Office of Chief Counsel exercise enforcement authority, they may—
(1) Issue a warning letter, as provided in § 107.309;
(2) Initiate proceedings to assess a civil penalty, as provided in either § 107.310 or § 107.311;
(3) Issue an order directing compliance, regardless of whether a warning letter has been issued or a civil penalty assessed; and
(4) Seek any other remedy available under the Federal hazardous material transportation law.
(b) In the case of a proceeding initiated for failure to comply with an exemption or special permit, the allegation of a violation of a term or condition thereof is considered by the Associate Administrator and the Office of Chief Counsel to constitute an allegation that the special permit holder or party to the special permit is failing, or has failed to comply with the underlying regulations from which relief was granted by the special permit.
§ 107.309   Warning letters.
(a) The Associate Administrator may issue a warning letter to any person whom the Associate Administrator believes to have committed a probable violation of the Federal hazardous material transportation law, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, or any provision of this subchapter, subchapter B of this chapter, subchapter C of this chapter, or any special permit issued thereunder.
(b) A warning letter issued under this section includes:
(1) A statement of the facts upon which the Associate Administrator bases its determination that the person has committed a probable violation;
(2) A statement that the recurrence of the probable violations cited may subject the person to enforcement action; and
(3) An opportunity to respond to the warning letter by submitting pertinent information or explanations concerning the probable violations cited therein.
§ 107.310   Ticketing.
(a) For an alleged violation that does not have a direct or substantial impact on safety, the Associate Administrator may issue a ticket.
(b) The Associate Administrator issues a ticket by mailing it by certified or registered mail to the person alleged to have committed the violation. The ticket includes:
(1) A statement of the facts on which the Associate Administrator bases the conclusion that the person has committed the alleged violation;
(2) The maximum penalty provided for by statute, the proposed full penalty determined according to PHMSA's civil penalty guidelines and the statutory criteria for penalty assessment, and the ticket penalty amount; and
(3) A statement that within 45 days of receipt of the ticket, the person must pay the penalty in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section, make an informal response under § 107.317, or request a formal administrative hearing under § 107.319.
(c) If the person makes an informal response or requests a formal administrative hearing, the Associate Administrator forwards the inspection report, ticket and response to the Office of the Chief Counsel for processing under §§ 107.307-107.339, except that the Office of the Chief Counsel will not issue a Notice of Probable Violation under § 107.311. The Office of the Chief Counsel may impose a civil penalty that does not exceed the proposed full penalty set forth in the ticket.
(d) Payment of the ticket penalty amount must be made in accordance with the instructions on the ticket.
(e) If within 45 days of receiving the ticket the person does not pay the ticket amount, make an informal response, or request a formal administrative hearing, the person has waived the right to make an informal response or request a hearing, has admitted the violation and owes the ticket penalty amount to PHMSA.
§ 107.311   Notice of probable violation.
(a) The Office of Chief Counsel may serve a notice of probable violation on a person alleging the violation of one or more provisions of the Federal hazardous material transportation law, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, or any provision of this subchapter, subchapter B of this chapter, or subchapter C of this chapter, or any special permit, response plan, or order issued thereunder.
(b) A notice of probable violation issued under this section includes the following information:
(1) A citation of the provisions of the Federal hazardous material transportation law, Federal Water Pollution Control Act, an order issued thereunder, this subchapter, subchapter B of this chapter, subchapter C of this chapter, or the terms of any special permit issued thereunder which the Office of Chief Counsel believes the respondent is violating or has violated.
(2) A statement of the factual allegations upon which the demand for remedial action, a civil penalty, or both, is based.
(3) A statement of the respondent's right to present written or oral explanations, information, and arguments in answer to the allegations and in mitigation of the sanction sought in the notice of probable violation.
(4) A statement of the respondent's right to request a hearing and the procedures for requesting a hearing.
(5) In addition, in the case of a notice of probable violation proposing a compliance order, a statement of the proposed actions to be taken by the respondent to achieve compliance.
(6) In addition, in the case of a notice of probable violation proposing a civil penalty:
(i) A statement of the maximum civil penalty for which the respondent may be liable;
(ii) The amount of the preliminary civil penalty being sought by the Office of Chief Counsel, constitutes the maximum amount the Chief Counsel may seek throughout the proceeding; and
(iii) A description of the manner in which the respondent makes payment of any money due the United States as a result of the proceeding.
(c) The Office of Chief Counsel may amend a notice of probable violation at any time before issuance of a compliance order or an order assessing a civil penalty. If the Office of Chief Counsel alleges any new material facts or seeks new or additional remedial action or an increase in the amount of the proposed civil penalty, it issues a new notice of probable violation under this section.
§ 107.313   Reply.
(a) Within 30 days of receipt of a notice of probable violation, the respondent must either:
(1) Admit the violation under § 107.315;
(2) Make an informal response under § 107.317; or
(3) Request a hearing under § 107.319.
(b) Failure of the respondent to file a reply as provided in this section constitutes a waiver of the respondent's right to appear and contest the allegations and authorizes the Chief Counsel, without further notice to the respondent, to find the facts to be as alleged in the notice of probable violation and issue an order directing compliance or assess a civil penalty, or, if proposed in the notice, both. Failure to request a hearing under paragraph (a)(3) of this section constitutes a waiver of the respondent's right to a hearing.
(c) Upon the request of the respondent, the Office of Chief Counsel may, for good cause shown and filed within the 30 days prescribed in the notice of probable violation, extend the 30-day response period.
§ 107.315   Admission of violations.
(a) In responding to a notice of probable violation issued under § 107.311, the respondent may admit the alleged violations and agree to accept the terms of a proposed compliance order or to pay the amount of the preliminarily assessed civil penalty, or, if proposed in the notice, both.
(b) If the respondent agrees to the terms of a proposed compliance order, the Chief Counsel issues a final order prescribing the remedial action to be taken by the respondent.
(c) Payment of a civil penalty, when the amount of the penalty exceeds $10,000, must be made by wire transfer, through the Federal Reserve Communications System (Fedwire), to the account of the U.S. Treasury. Detailed instructions on making payments by wire transfer may be obtained from the Financial Operations Division (AMZ-120), Federal Aviation Administration, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.
(d) Payment of a civil penalty, when the amount of the penalty is $10,000 or less, must be made either by wire transfer, as set forth in paragraph (c) of this section, or certified check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of Transportation” and submitted to the Financial Operations Division (AMZ-120), Federal Aviation Administration, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.
§ 107.317   Informal response.
(a) In responding to a notice of probable violation under § 107.311, the respondent may submit to the official who issued the notice, written explanations, information, or arguments in response to the allegations, the terms of a proposed compliance order, or the amount of the preliminarily assessed civil penalty.
(b) The respondent may include in his informal response a request for a conference. Upon the request of the respondent, the conference may be either in person or by telephone. A request for a conference must set forth the issues the respondent will raise at the conference.
(c) Upon receipt of a request for a conference under paragraph (b) of this section, the Chief Counsel's Office, in consultation with the Associate Administrator, arranges for a conference as soon as practicable at a time and place of mutual convenience.
(d) The respondent's written explanations, information, and arguments as well as the respondent's presentation at a conference are considered by the Chief Counsel in reviewing the notice of probable violation. Based upon a review of the proceeding, the Chief Counsel may dismiss the notice of probable violation in whole or in part. If he does not dismiss it in whole, he issues an order directing compliance or assessing a civil penalty, or, if proposed in the notice, both.
§ 107.319   Request for a hearing.
(a) In responding to a notice of probable violation under § 107.311, the respondent may request a formal administrative hearing on the record before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) obtained by the Office of the Chief Counsel.
(b) A request for a hearing under paragraph (a) of this section must:
(1) State the name and address of the respondent and of the person submitting the request if different from the respondent;
(2) State which allegations of violations, if any, are admitted; and
(3) State generally the issues to be raised by the respondent at the hearing. Issues not raised in the request are not barred from presentation at the hearing; and
(4) Be addressed to the official who issued the notice.
(c) After a request for a hearing that complies with the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, the Chief Counsel obtains an ALJ to preside over the hearing and notifies the respondent of this fact. Upon assignment of an ALJ, further matters in the proceeding generally are conducted by and through the ALJ, except that the Chief Counsel and respondent may compromise or settle the case under § 107.327 of this subpart without order of the ALJ or voluntarily dismiss the case under Rule 41(a)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure without order of the ALJ; in the event of such a compromise, settlement or dismissal, the Chief Counsel expeditiously will notify the ALJ thereof.
(d) At any time after requesting a formal administrative hearing but prior to the issuance of a decision and final order by the ALJ, the respondent may withdraw such request in writing, thereby terminating the jurisdication of the ALJ in the case. Such a withdrawal constitutes an irrevocable waiver of respondent's right to such a hearing on the facts, allegations, and proposed sanction presented in the notice of probable violation to which the request for hearing relates.
§ 107.321   Hearing.
(a) To the extent practicable, the hearing is held in the general vicinity of the place where the alleged violation occurred or at a place convenient to the respondent. Testimony by witnesses shall be given under oath and the hearing shall be recorded verbatim.
(b) Hearings are conducted in accordance with the Federal Rules of Evidence and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; however, the ALJ may modify them as he determines necessary in the interest of a full development of the facts. In addition, the ALJ may:
(1) Administer oaths and affirmations;
(2) Issue subpoenas as provided by § 105.45;
(3) Adopt procedures for the submission of motions, evidence, and other documents pertinent to the proceeding;
(4) Take or cause depositions to be taken;
(5) Rule on offers of proof and receive relevant evidence;
(6) Examine witnesses at the hearing;
(7) Convene, recess, reconvene, adjourn and otherwise regulate the course of the hearing;
(8) Hold conferences for settlement, simplification of the issues, or any other proper purpose; and
(9) Take any other action authorized by, or consistent with, the provisions of this subpart and permitted by law which may expedite the hearing or aid in the disposition of an issue raised therein.
(c) The official who issued the notice of probable violation, or his representative, has the burden of proving the facts alleged therein.
(d) The respondent may appear and be heard on his own behalf or through counsel of his choice. The respondent or his counsel may offer relevant information including testimony which he believes should be considered in opposition to the allegations or which may bear on the sanction being sought and conduct such cross-examination as may be required for a full disclosure of the facts.
§ 107.323   ALJ's decision.
(a) After consideration of all matters of record in the proceeding, the ALJ shall issue an order dismissing the notice of probable violation in whole or in part or granting the sanction sought by the Office of Chief Counsel in the notice. If the ALJ does not dismiss the notice of probable violation in whole, he issues an order directing compliance or assessing a civil penalty, or, if proposed in the notice, both. The order includes a statement of the findings and conclusions, and the reasons therefore, on all material issues of fact, law, and discretion.
(b) If, within 20 days of receipt of an order issued under paragraph (a) of this section, the respondent does not submit in writing his acceptance of the terms of an order directing compliance, or, where appropriate, pay a civil penalty, or file an appeal under § 107.325, the case may be referred to the Attorney General with a request that an action be brought in the appropriate United States District Court to enforce the terms of a compliance order or collect the civil penalty.
§ 107.325   Appeals.
(a) Hearing proceedings. A party aggrieved by an ALJ's decision and order issued under § 107.323, may file a written appeal in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section with the Administrator, Office of the Administrator, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, East Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
(b) Non-Hearing proceedings. A respondent aggrieved by an order issued under § 107.317, may file a written appeal in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section with the Administrator, Office of the Administrator, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, East Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
(c) An appeal of an order issued under this subpart must:
(1) Be filed within 20 days of receipt of the order by the appealing party; and
(2) State with particularity the findings in the order that the appealing party challenges, and include all information and arguments pertinent thereto.
(d) If the Administrator, PHMSA, affirms the order in whole or in part, the respondent must comply with the terms of the decision within 20 days of the respondent's receipt thereof, or within the time prescribed in the order. If the respondent does not comply with the terms of the decision within 20 days of receipt, or within the time prescribed in the order, the case may be referred to the Attorney General for action to enforce the terms of the decision.
(e) The filing of an appeal stays the effectiveness of an order issued under § 107.317 or § 107.323. However, if the Administrator, PHMSA, determines that it is in the public interest, he may keep an order directing compliance in force pending appeal.
§ 107.327   Compromise and settlement.
(a) At any time before an order issued under § 107.317 or § 107.323 is referred to the Attorney General for enforcement, the respondent or the Office of Chief Counsel may propose a compromise as follows:
(1) In civil penalty cases, the respondent or Chief Counsel may offer to compromise the amount of the penalty by submitting an offer for a specific amount to the other party. An offer of compromise by the respondent shall be submitted to the Chief Counsel who may, after consultation with the Associate Administrator, accept or reject it.
(i) A compromise offer stays the running of any response period then outstanding.
(ii) If a compromise is agreed to by the parties, the respondent is notified in writing. Upon receipt of payment by Office of Chief Counsel, the respondent is notified in writing that acceptance of payment is in full satisfaction of the civil penalty proposed or assessed, and Office of Chief Counsel closes the case with prejudice to the respondent.
(iii) If a compromise cannot be agreed to, the respondent is notified in writing and is given 10 days or the amount of time remaining in the then outstanding response period, whichever is longer, to respond to whatever action was taken by the Office of Chief Counsel or the Administrator, PHMSA.
(2) In compliance order cases, the respondent may propose a consent agreement to the Chief Counsel. If the Chief Counsel accepts the agreement, he issues an order in accordance with its terms. If the Chief Counsel rejects the agreement, he directs that the proceeding continue. An agreement submitted to the Chief Counsel must include:
(i) A statement of any allegations of fact which the respondent challenges;
(ii) The reasons why the terms of a compliance order or proposed compliance order are or would be too burdensome for the respondent, or why such terms are not supported by the record in the case;
(iii) A proposed compliance order suitable for issuance by the Chief Counsel;
(iv) An admission of all jurisdictional facts; and
(v) An express waiver of further procedural steps and all right to seek judicial review or otherwise challenge or contest the validity of the order.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the respondent or Office of Chief Counsel may propose to settle the case. If the Chief Counsel agrees to a settlement, the respondent is notified and the case is closed without prejudice to the respondent.
§ 107.329   Maximum penalties.
(a) A person who knowingly violates a requirement of the Federal hazardous material transportation law, an order issued thereunder, this subchapter, subchapter C of this chapter, or a special permit or approval issued under this subchapter applicable to the transportation of hazardous materials or the causing of them to be transported or shipped is liable for a civil penalty of not more than $102,348 for each violation, except the maximum civil penalty is $238,809 if the violation results in death, serious illness, or severe injury to any person or substantial destruction of property. There is no minimum civil penalty, except for a minimum civil penalty of $617 for violations relating to training. When the violation is a continuing one, each day of the violation constitutes a separate offense.
(b) A person who knowingly violates a requirement of the Federal hazardous material transportation law, an order issued thereunder, this subchapter, subchapter C of this chapter, or a special permit or approval issued under this subchapter applicable to the design, manufacture, fabrication, inspection, marking, maintenance, reconditioning, repair or testing of a package, container, or packaging component which is represented, marked, certified, or sold by that person as qualified for use in the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce is liable for a civil penalty of not more than $102,348 for each violation, except the maximum civil penalty is $238,809 if the violation results in death, serious illness, or severe injury to any person or substantial destruction of property. There is no minimum civil penalty, except for a minimum civil penalty of $617 for violations relating to training.
§ 107.331   Assessment considerations.
After finding a knowing violation under this subpart, the Office of Chief Counsel assesses a civil penalty taking the following into account:
(a) The nature and circumstances of the violation;
(b) The extent and gravity of the violation;
(c) The degree of the respondent's culpability;
(d) The respondent's prior violations;
(e) The respondent's ability to pay;
(f) The effect on the respondent's ability to continue in business; and
(g) Such other matters as justice may require.
§ 107.333   Criminal penalties generally.
A person who knowingly violates § 171.2(l) of this title or willfully or recklessly violates a requirement of the Federal hazardous material transportation law or a regulation, order, special permit, or approval issued thereunder shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both, except the maximum amount of imprisonment shall be 10 years in any case in which the violation involves the release of a hazardous material which results in death or bodily injury to any person.
§ 107.335   Criminal referrals.
(a) If a PHMSA employee becomes aware of any actual or possible activity subject to criminal penalties under § 107.333, the employee must report it to the Office of Chief Counsel, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and to the employee's supervisor. The Chief Counsel may refer the report to the Associate Administrator to investigate. If appropriate, the Chief Counsel shall refer the report to the Office of Inspector General, or other law enforcement as appropriate (with notification to the Office of Inspector General as soon as possible).
(b) A PHMSA employee also has the option of making a direct referral to the Office of Inspector General (OIG), either by directly contacting an OIG investigator, or via the OIG hotline at (800) 424-9071, at https://www.oig.dot.gov/hotline, by email at hotline@oig.dot.gov, or by mail to the Office of Inspector General, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, West Bldg. 7th Floor, Washington, DC 20590.
§ 107.336   Limitation on fines and penalties.
If a State or political subdivision or Indian tribe assesses any fine or penalty determined by the Secretary to be appropriate for a violation concerning a subject listed in § 107.202(a), no additional fine or penalty may be assessed for such violation by any other authority.
§ 107.337   Injunctions generally.
Whenever it appears to the Office of Chief Counsel that a person has engaged, or is engaged, or is about to engage in any act or practice constituting a violation of any provision of the Federal hazardous material transportation law, this subchapter, subchapter C of this chapter, or any special permit, or order issued thereunder, for which the Office of Chief Counsel exercises enforcement responsibility, the Administrator, PHMSA, or his delegate, may request the Attorney General to bring an action in the appropriate United States District Court for such relief as is necessary or appropriate, including mandatory or prohibitive injunctive relief, interim equitable relief, and punitive damages as provided by 49 U.S.C. 5122(a).
§ 107.338   Prohibition of hazardous materials operations.
As provided for in subpart E of part 109 of this subchapter, a person who fails to pay a civil penalty in accordance with agreed upon installments or in full within prescribed time lines, is prohibited from conducting hazardous materials operations and shall immediately cease all hazardous materials operations.
§ 107.339   Imminent hazards.
Whenever it appears to the Office of the Chief Counsel that there is a substantial likelihood that death, serious illness, or severe personal injury will result from the transportation of a particular hazardous material or hazardous materials container, before a compliance order proceeding or other administrative hearing or formal proceeding to abate the risk of that harm can be completed, the Administrator, PHMSA, or his delegate, may bring an action under 49 U.S.C. 5122(b) in the appropriate United States District Court for an order suspending or restricting the transporation of that hazardous material or those containers or for such other equitable relief as is necessary or appropriate to ameliorate the hazard.
§ 107.401   Purpose and scope.
(a) This subpart establishes procedures for the designation of agencies to issue certificates and certifications for types of packagings designed, manufactured, tested, or maintained in conformance with the requirements of this subchapter, subchapter C of this chapter, and standards set forth in the United Nations (U.N.) Recommendations (Transport of Dangerous Goods), and for lighters, portable tanks, multi-element gas containers, and Division 1.4G consumer fireworks in conformance with the requirements of this subchapter. Except for certifications of compliance with U.N. packaging standards, this subpart does not apply unless made applicable by a rule in subchapter C of this chapter.
(b) The Associate Administrator may issue approval certificates and certifications addressed in paragraph (a) of this section.
§ 107.402   Application for designation as a certification agency.
(a) Any organization or person seeking to be approved as a certification agency must apply in writing to the Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety (PHH-32), Department of Transportation, East Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington DC 20590-0001. Alternatively, the application in an appropriate format may be submitted by facsimile (fax) to: (202) 366-3753 or (202) 366-3308 or by electronic mail (email) to: approvals@dot.gov. Each application must be signed and certified to be correct by the applicant or, if the applicant is an organization, by an authorized officer or official representative of the organization. Any false statement or representation, or the knowing and willful concealment of a material fact, may subject the applicant to prosecution under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 1001, and result in the denial or termination of a designation.
(b) Each application for approval as a certification agency must be in English and include the following information:
(1) Information required by the provisions in subpart H of this part;
(2) Name and address of the applicant, including place of incorporation if a corporation. In addition, if the applicant is not a resident of the United States, the name and address of a permanent resident of the United States designated in accordance with § 105.40 of this subchapter to serve as agent for service of process. A person approved as a certification agency is not a PHMSA agent or representative;
(3) A statement acknowledging that the Associate Administrator or a designated official may inspect, on demand, its records and facilities in so far as they relate to the certification activities and will cooperate in the conduct of such inspections; and
(4) Any additional information relevant to the applicant's qualifications, upon request of the Associate Administrator or a designated official.
(c) UN Third-Party Packaging Certification Agency. In addition to the requirements in paragraph (b) of this section, the application must include the following information:
(1) A listing, by DOT specification (or special permit) number, or U.N. designation, of the types of packagings for which certification authority is sought;
(2) A statement showing proof that the applicant has:
(i) The ability to review and evaluate design drawings, design and stress calculations;
(ii) The knowledge of the applicable regulations of subchapter C of this chapter and, when applicable, U.N. standards;
(iii) The ability to conduct or monitor and evaluate test procedures and results; and
(iv) The ability to review and evaluate the qualifications of materials and fabrication procedures.
(3) A statement that the applicant will perform its functions independent of the manufacturers and owners of the packagings concerned.
(4) If the applicant's principal place of business is in a country other than the United States, a copy of the designation from the Competent Authority of that country delegating to the applicant an approval or designated agency authority for the type of packaging for which a DOT designation is sought, and a statement that the Competent Authority also delegates similar authority to U.S. Citizens or organizations having designations under this subpart from PHMSA.
(d) Fireworks Certification Agency. Prior to reviewing, and certifying Division 1.4G consumer fireworks (UN0336) for compliance with the APA 87-1A, excluding appendices II through VI, (IBR, see § 171.7 of this chapter) as specified in part 173 of this chapter, a person must apply to, and be approved by, the Associate Administrator to act as a Fireworks Certification Agency.
(1) Fireworks Certification Agency applicant requirements. The Fireworks Certification Agency applicant must—
(i) Be a U.S. resident, or for a non-U.S. resident, have a designated U.S. agent representative as specified in § 105.40 of this subchapter;
(ii) Employ personnel with work experience in manufacturing or testing of fireworks or explosives; or a combination of work experience in manufacturing or testing of fireworks or explosives and a degree in the physical sciences or engineering from an accredited university;
(iii) Have the ability to:
(A) Review design drawings, and applications to certify that they are in accordance with the APA Standard 87-1; and
(B) Verify that the applicant has certified the thermal stability test procedures and results.
(iv) Must be independent of and not owned by any consumer fireworks manufacturer, distributor, import or export company, or proprietorship.
(2) Fireworks Certification Agency application submittal requirements. In addition to the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (d)(1) of this section, the Fireworks Certification Agency application must include—
(i) Name, address, and country of each facility where Division 1.4G consumer fireworks applications are reviewed and certified;
(ii) A detailed description of the qualifications of each individual the applicant proposes to employ to review, and certify that the requirements specified by part 173 of this chapter and the APA Standard 87-1 have been met;
(iii) Written operating procedures to be used by the Fireworks Certification Agency to review and certify that a Division 1.4G consumer fireworks application meets the requirements specified in the APA Standard 87-1;
(iv) Name, address, and principal business activity of each person having any direct or indirect interest in the applicant greater than three percent and any direct or indirect ownership interest in each subsidiary or division of the applicant; and
(v) A statement that the applicant will perform its functions independent of the manufacturers, transporters, importers, and owners of the fireworks.
(e) Lighter certification agency. Prior to examining and testing lighters (UN1057) for certification of compliance with the requirements of § 173.308 of this chapter a person must submit an application to, and be approved by, the Associate Administrator to act as a lighter certification agency. In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the application must include the following information:
(1) The name and address of each facility where lighters are examined and tested;
(2) A detailed description of the applicant's qualifications and ability to, examine and test lighters and certify that the requirements specified by § 173.308 of this chapter have been met; and
(3) A statement that the agency is independent of and not owned by a lighter manufacturer, distributor, import or export company, or proprietorship.
(f) Portable tank and MEGC certification agencies. Prior to inspecting portable tanks or multi-element gas containers (MEGCs) for certification of compliance with the requirements of §§ 178.273 and 178.74 of this chapter, respectively, a person must submit an application to, and be approved by, the Associate Administrator to act as a certification agency. In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the application must provide the following information:
(1) The name and address of each facility where the portable tank or MEGC, as applicable, is examined and tested;
(2) A detailed description of the applicant's qualifications and ability to examine and test portable tanks or MEGCs, as applicable, and certify that the requirements specified by § 178.273 of this chapter for the approval of UN portable tanks, or § 178.74 of this chapter for the approval of MEGCs have been met; and
(3) A statement indicating that the agency is independent of and not owned by a portable tank or MEGC manufacturer, owner, or distributor.
§ 107.403   Designation of certification agencies.
(a) If the Associate Administrator determines that an application contains all the required information, the applicant is sent a letter of designation and assigned an identification code.
(b) If the Associate Administrator determines that an application does not contain all the required information, the application is denied and the applicant is sent a written notice containing all the reasons for the denial.
(c) Within 30 days of an initial denial of an application under paragraph (b) of this section, the applicant may file an amended application. If the application is denied by the Associate Administrator of Hazardous Materials Safety, the applicant may, within 20 days of receipt of the decision, request reconsideration by the Associate Administrator as set forth in § 107.715. If the reconsideration is denied by the Associate Administrator, the applicant may appeal the Associate Administrator's decision, within 30 days of the Associate Administrator's decision, to the Administrator of PHMSA, as specified in § 107.717.
(d) The Associate Administrator may modify, suspend, or terminate an approval submitted under this subpart as set forth in § 107.713.
§ 107.404   Conditions of designation.
(a) Each designation made under this subpart contains the following conditions:
(1) The designated approval or certification agency may use only testing equipment that it has determined, through personal inspection, to be suitable for the purpose.
(2) Each approval certificate and certification issued by the designated approval agency must contain the name and identification code of the approval agency.
(3) Each approval certificate and certification must be in a format acceptable to the Associate Administrator.
(b) The designated approval agency shall notify the Associate Administrator within 20 days after the date there is any change in the information submitted under § 107.402.
(c) The designated approval agency shall comply with all of the terms and conditions stated in its letter of designation under the subpart.
(d) Nothing in this part relieves a manufacturer or owner of a packaging of responsibility for compliance with any of the applicable requirements of this title.
§ 107.405   [Reserved]
§ 107.501   Scope.
(a) This subpart establishes a registration procedure for persons who are engaged in the manufacture, assembly, inspection and testing, certification, or repair of a cargo tank or a cargo tank motor vehicle manufactured in accordance with a DOT specification under subchapter C of this chapter or under terms of a special permit issued under this part.
(b) Persons engaged in continuing qualification and maintenance of cargo tanks and cargo tank motor vehicles must be familiar with the requirements set forth in part 180, subpart E, of this chapter.
§ 107.502   General registration requirements.
(a) Definitions: For purposes of this subpart—
(1) Assembly means the performance of any of the following functions when the function does not involve welding on the cargo tank wall:
(i) The mounting of one or more tanks or cargo tanks on a motor vehicle or to a motor vehicle suspension component;
(ii) The installation of equipment or components necessary to meet the specification requirements prior to the certification of the cargo tank motor vehicle; or
(iii) The installation of linings, coatings, or other materials to the inside of a cargo tank wall.
(2) The terms Authorized Inspector, Cargo tank, Cargo tank motor vehicle, Design Certifying Engineer, Registered Inspector, and Person are defined in § 171.8 of this chapter.
(3) The terms cargo tank wall and manufacturer are defined in § 178.320(a), and repair is defined in § 180.403 of this chapter.
(b) No person may engage in the manufacture, assembly, certification, inspection or repair of a cargo tank or cargo tank motor vehicle manufactured under the terms of a DOT specification under subchapter C of this chapter or a special permit issued under this part unless the person is registered with the Department in accordance with the provisions of this subpart. A person employed as an inspector or design certifying engineer is considered to be registered if the person's employer is registered. The requirements of this paragraph (b) do not apply to a person engaged in the repair of a DOT specification cargo tank used in the transportation of hazardous materials in the United States in accordance with § 180.413(a)(1)(iii) of this chapter.
(c) A person who performs functions which are subject to the provisions of this subpart may perform only those functions which have been identified to the Department in accordance with the procedures of this subpart.
(d) Registration statements must be in English, contain all the information required by this subpart, and be submitted to: FMCSA Hazardous Materials Division—MC-SEH, West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
(e) Upon determination that a registration statement contains all the information required by this subpart, the Department will send the registrant a letter confirming receipt of the registration application and assigning a registration number to that person. A separate registration number will be assigned for each cargo tank manufacturing, assembly, repair facility or other place of business identified by the registrant.
§ 107.503   Registration statement.
(a) Each registration statement must be in English and contain the following information:
(1) Name;
(2) Street address, mailing address and telephone number for each facility or place of business;
(3) A statement indicating whether the facility uses mobile testing/inspection equipment to perform inspections, tests, or repairs at a location other than the address listed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
(4) A statement signed by the person responsible for compliance with the applicable requirements of this chapter, certifying knowledge of those requirements and that each employee who is a Registered Inspector or Design Certifying Engineer meets the minimum qualification requirements set forth in § 171.8 of this chapter for “Registered Inspector” or “Design Certifying Engineer”. The following language may be used.
I certify that all Registered Inspectors and Design Certifying Engineers used in performance of the prescribed functions meet the minimum qualification requirements set forth in 49 CFR 171.8, that I am the person responsible for ensuring compliance with the applicable requirements of this chapter, and that I have knowledge of the requirements applicable to the functions to be performed.
(5) A description of the specific functions to be performed on cargo tanks or cargo tank motor vehicles, e.g.:
(i) Manufacture,
(ii) Assembly,
(iii) Inspection and testing (specify type, e.g., external or internal visual inspection, lining inspection, hydrostatic pressure test, leakage test, thickness test),
(iv) Certification,
(v) Repair, or
(vi) Equipment manufacture;
(6) An identification of the types of DOT specification and special permit cargo tanks or cargo tank motor vehicles which the registrant intends to manufacture, assemble, repair, inspect, test or certify;
(7) A statement indicating whether the registrant employs Registered Inspectors or Design Certifying Engineers to conduct certification, inspection or testing functions addressed by this subpart. If the registrant engages a person who is not an employee of the registrant to perform these functions, provide the name, address and registration number of that person; and
(8) If the registrant is not a resident of the United States, the name and address of a permanent resident of the United States designated in accordance with § 105.40 to serve as agent for service of process.
(b) In addition to the information required under paragraph (a) of this section, each person who manufactures a cargo tank or cargo tank motor vehicle must submit a copy of the manufacturer's current ASME Certificate of Authorization for the use of the ASME “U” stamp.
(c) In addition to the information required under paragraph (a) of this section, each person who repairs a cargo tank or cargo tank motor vehicle must submit a copy of the repair facility's current National Board Certificate of Authorization for the use of the “R” stamp or ASME Certificate of Authorization for the use of the ASME “U” stamp. Any person who repairs MC-series cargo tanks which are not certified to the ASME Code must submit a copy of the National Board or ASME Certificate of Authorization to PHMSA before June 30, 1992.
§ 107.504   Period of registration, updates, and record retention.
(a) Registration will be for a maximum of six years from the date of the original registration.
(b) Any correspondence with the Department must contain the registrant's name and registration number.
(c) A registration must be renewed every six years or within thirty days of reissuance of an ASME or National Board Certification, whichever occurs first, by submitting an up-to-date registration statement containing the information prescribed by § 107.503. Any person initially registered under the provisions of § 107.502 and who is in good standing is eligible for renewal.
(d) A registrant shall provide written notification to the Department within thirty days of any of the following occurrences:
(1) Any change in the registration information submitted under § 107.503;
(2) Replacement of the person responsible for compliance with the requirements in § 107.503(a)(4). If this occurs, the registrant shall resubmit the required certification;
(3) Loss of ASME or National Board Certificate of Authorization; or
(4) A change in function; such as, from assembly to manufacture, an addition of a function, or a change to the types of inspections, tests or certifications of cargo tanks or cargo tank motor vehicles.
(e) Each registrant shall maintain a current copy of the registration information submitted to the Department and a current copy of the registration number identification received from the Department at the location identified in § 107.503(a)(2) during such time the person is registered with the Department and for two years thereafter.
(f) The issuance of a registration number under this subpart is not an approval or endorsement by the Department of the qualifications of any person to perform the specified functions.
§ 107.601   Applicability.
(a) The registration and fee requirements of this subpart apply to any person who offers for transportation, or transports, in foreign, interstate or intrastate commerce—
(1) A highway route-controlled quantity of a Class 7 (radioactive) material, as defined in § 173.403 of this chapter;
(2) More than 25 kg (55 pounds) of a Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 (explosive) material (see § 173.50 of this chapter) in a motor vehicle, rail car or freight container;
(3) More than one L (1.06 quarts) per package of a material extremely toxic by inhalation ( i.e., “material poisonous by inhalation,” as defined in § 171.8 of this chapter, that meets the criteria for “hazard zone A,” as specified in § 173.116(a) or § 173.133(a) of this chapter);
(4) A shipment of a quantity of hazardous materials in a bulk packaging (see § 171.8 of this chapter) having a capacity equal to or greater than 13,248 L (3,500 gallons) for liquids or gases or more than 13.24 cubic meters (468 cubic feet) for solids;
(5) A shipment in other than a bulk packaging of 2,268 kg (5,000 pounds) gross weight or more of one class of hazardous materials for which placarding of a vehicle, rail car, or freight container is required for that class, under the provisions of subpart F of part 172 of this chapter; or
(6) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a quantity of hazardous material that requires placarding, under provisions of subpart F of part 172 of this chapter.
(b) Paragraph (a)(6) of this section does not apply to those activities of a farmer, as defined in § 171.8 of this chapter, that are in direct support of the farmer's farming operations.
(c) In this subpart, the term “shipment” means the offering or loading of hazardous material at one loading facility using one transport vehicle, or the transport of that transport vehicle.
§ 107.606   Exceptions.
(a) The following are excepted from the requirements of this subpart:
(1) An agency of the Federal government.
(2) A State agency.
(3) An agency of a political subdivision of a State.
(4) An Indian tribe.
(5) An employee of any of those entities in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(4) of this section with respect to the employee's official duties.
(6) A hazmat employee (including, for purposes of this subpart, the owner-operator of a motor vehicle that transports in commerce hazardous materials, if that vehicle at the time of those activities, is leased to a registered motor carrier under a 30-day or longer lease as prescribed in 49 CFR part 376 or an equivalent contractual agreement).
(7) A person domiciled outside the United States, who offers solely from a location outside the United States, hazardous materials for transportation in commerce, provided that the country of which such a person is a domiciliary does not require persons domiciled in the United States, who solely offer hazardous materials for transportation to the foreign country from places in the United States, to file a registration statement or to pay a registration fee.
(b) Upon making a determination that persons domiciled in the United States, who offer hazardous materials for transportation to a foreign country solely from places in the United States, must file registration statements or pay fees to that foreign country, the U.S. Competent Authority will provide notice of such determination directly to the Competent Authority of that foreign country and by publication in the Federal Register. Persons who offer hazardous materials for transportation to the United States from that foreign country must file a registration statement and pay the required fee no later than 60 days following publication of the determination in the Federal Register.
§ 107.608   General registration requirements.
(a) Each person subject to this subpart must submit a complete and accurate registration statement on DOT Form F 5800.2 not later than June 30 for each registration year, or in time to comply with paragraph (b) of this section, whichever is later. Each registration year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30 of the following year.
(b) No person required to file a registration statement may transport a hazardous material or cause a hazardous material to be transported or shipped, unless such person has on file, in accordance with § 107.620, a current Certificate of Registration in accordance with the requirements of this subpart.
(c) A registrant whose name or principal place of business has changed during the year of registration must notify PHMSA of that change by submitting an amended registration statement not later than 30 days after the change.
(d) Copies of DOT Form F 5800.2 and instructions for its completion may be obtained from the Outreach, Training and Grants Division, PHH-50, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590-0001, by calling 202-366-4109, or via the Internet at http://phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/registration.
(e) If the registrant is not a resident of the United States, the registrant must attach to the registration statement the name and address of a permanent resident of the United States, designated in accordance with § 105.40, to serve as agent for service of process.
§ 107.612   Amount of fee.
(a) For purposes of determining the applicable annual registration fee specified in paragraph (b) of this section, the following classification applies to each person required to register and pay a registration fee:
(1) Small business. A person that qualifies as a small business, under criteria specified in 13 CFR part 121 applicable to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code that describes that person's primary commercial activity.
(2) Not-for-profit organization. An organization exempt from taxation under 26 U.S.C. 501(a).
(3) Other than a small business or not-for-profit organization. Each person that does not meet the criteria specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section.
(b) Each person subject to the requirements of this subpart must pay the processing fee specified in paragraph (c) of this section and the annual registration fee set forth in the following table:
1 Fee appropriate for small or other than small business.
(c) Each person submitting a registration statement must pay the following processing fee in addition to the registration fees specified in paragraph (b) of this section:
(1) For registration years 2000-2001 and later, the processing fee is $25 for each registration statement filed. A single statement may be filed for one, two, or three registration years as provided in § 107.616(c).
(2) For registration years 1999-2000 and earlier, the processing fee is $50 for each registration statement filed. A separate statement must be filed for each registration year.
§ 107.616   Payment procedures.
(a) Each person subject to the requirements of this subpart must mail the registration statement and payment in full to the U.S. Department of Transportation—Hazardous Materials, P.O. Box 6200-01, Portland, OR 97228-6200, or submit the statement and payment electronically through the Department's e-Commerce internet site. Access to this service is provided at https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/registration . A registrant required to file an amended registration statement under § 107.608(c) of this subpart must mail it to the same address or submit it through the same internet site.
(b) Payment must be made by certified check, cashier's check, personal check, or money order in U.S. funds and drawn on a U.S. bank, payable to the U.S. Department of Transportation and identified as payment for the “Hazmat Registration Fee,” or by completing an authorization for payment by credit card or other electronic means of payment acceptable to the Department on the registration statement or as part of an Internet registration as provided in paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) Payment must correspond to the total fees properly calculated in the “Amount Due” block of the DOT form F 5800.2. A person may elect to register and pay the required fees for up to three registration years by filing one complete and accurate registration statement.
§ 107.620   Recordkeeping requirements.
(a) Each person subject to the requirements of this subpart, or its agent designated under § 107.608(e), must maintain at its principal place of business for a period of three years from the date of issuance of each Certificate of Registration:
(1) A copy of the registration statement filed with PHMSA; and
(2) The Certificate of Registration issued to the registrant by PHMSA.
(b) After January 1, 1993, each motor carrier subject to the requirements of this subpart must carry a copy of its current Certificate of Registration issued by PHMSA or another document bearing the registration number identified as the “U.S. DOT Hazmat Reg. No.” on board each truck and truck tractor (not including trailers and semi-trailers) used to transport hazardous materials subject to the requirements of this subpart. The Certificate of Registration or document bearing the registration number must be made available, upon request, to enforcement personnel.
(c) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, after January 1, 1995, each person who transports by vessel a hazardous material subject to the requirements of this subpart must carry on board the vessel a copy of its current Certificate of Registration or another document bearing the current registration number identified as the “U.S. DOT Hazmat Reg. No.”
(d) Each person subject to this subpart must furnish its Certificate of Registration (or a copy thereof) and all other records and information pertaining to the information contained in the registration statement to an authorized representative or special agent of DOT upon request.
§ 107.701   Purpose and scope.
(a) This subpart prescribes procedures for the issuance, modification and termination of approvals, and the submission of registrations and reports, as required by this chapter.
(b) The procedures of this subpart are in addition to any requirements in subchapter C of this chapter applicable to a specific approval, registration or report. If compliance with both a specific requirement of subchapter C of this chapter and a procedure of this subpart is not possible, the specific requirement applies.
(c) Registration under subpart F or G of this part is not subject to the procedures of this subpart.
§ 107.705   Registrations, reports, and applications for approval.
(a) A person filing a registration, report, or application for an approval, or a renewal or modification of an approval subject to the provisions of this subpart must—
(1) File the registration, report, or application with the Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety (Attention: Approvals, PHH-32), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, East Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001. Alternatively, the document with any attached supporting documentation in an appropriate format may be filed by facsimile (fax) to: (202) 366-3753 or (202) 366-3308 or by electronic mail (e-mail) to: approvals@dot.gov.
(2) Identify the section of the chapter under which the registration, report, or application is made;
(3) If a report is required by an approval, a registration or a special permit, identify the approval, registration or special permit number;
(4) Provide the name, street and mailing addresses, e-mail address optional, and telephone number of the person on whose behalf the registration, report, or application is made and, if different, the person making the filing;
(5) If the person on whose behalf the filing is made is not a resident of the United States, provide a designation of agent for service in accordance with § 105.40;
(6) Provide a description of the activity for which the registration or report is required; and
(7) Provide additional information as requested by the Associate Administrator, if the Associate Administrator determines that a filing lacks pertinent information or otherwise does not comply with applicable requirements.
(b) Description of approval proposal. In addition to the provisions in paragraph (a) for an approval, an application for an approval, or an application for modification or renewal of an approval, the applicant must include the following information that is relevant to the approval application—
(1) A description of the activity for which the approval is required;
(2) The proposed duration of the approval;
(3) The transport mode or modes affected, as applicable;
(4) Any additional information specified in the section containing the approval;
(5) For an approval which provides exceptions from regulatory requirements or prohibitions—
(i) Identification of any increased risk to safety or property that may result if the approval is granted, and specification of the measures that the applicant considers necessary or appropriate to address that risk; and
(ii) Substantiation, with applicable analyses or evaluations, if appropriate, demonstrating that the proposed activity will achieve a level of safety that is at least equal to that required by the regulation; and
(6) For lithium cells and batteries used for a medical device and transported in accordance with § 173.185(g) of this chapter, details on the extent to which the destination(s) of the lithium cell or battery is not serviced daily by cargo aircraft.
(c) For an approval with an expiration date, each application for renewal or modification must be filed in the same manner as an original application. If, at least 60 days before an existing approval expires the holder files an application for renewal that is complete and conforms to the requirements of this section, the approval will not expire until final administrative action on the application for renewal has been taken. Operation under an expired approval not filed within 60 days of the expiration date is prohibited. This paragraph does not limit the authority of the Associate Administrator to modify, suspend or terminate an approval under § 107.713.
(d) To request confidential treatment for information contained in the application, the applicant shall comply with § 105.30(a).
§ 107.709   Processing of an application for approval, including an application for renewal or modification.
(a) No public hearing or other formal proceeding is required under this subpart before the disposition of an application.
(b) The Associate Administrator will review an application for an approval, modification of an approval, or renewal of an approval in conformance with the standard operating procedures specified in appendix A of this part (“Standard Operating Procedures for Special Permits and Approvals”). The Associate Administrator will conduct an expedited review process for shipments of lithium cells and batteries specifically used for medical devices, as outlined in § 173.185(g) of this chapter. At any time during the processing of an application, the Associate Administrator may request additional information from the applicant. If the applicant does not respond to a written request for additional information within 30 days of the date the request was received, the Associate Administrator may deem the application incomplete and deny it. The Associate Administrator may grant a 30-day extension to respond to the written request for additional information if the applicant makes such a request in writing.
(c) The Associate Administrator may grant or deny an application, in whole or in part. At the Associate Administrator's discretion, an application may be granted subject to provisions that are appropriate to protect health, safety and property. The Associate Administrator may impose additional provisions not specified in the application, or delete conditions in the application which are unnecessary.
(d) The Associate Administrator may grant an application on finding that—
(1) The application complies with this subpart;
(2) The application demonstrates that the proposed activity will achieve a level of safety that—
(i) Is at least equal to that required by the regulation, or
(ii) If the regulations do not establish a level of safety, is consistent with the public interest and adequately will protect against the risks to life and property inherent in the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce;
(3) The application states all material facts, and contains no materially false or materially misleading statement;
(4) The applicant meets the qualifications required by applicable regulations; and
(5) The applicant is fit to conduct the activity authorized by the approval, or renewal or modification of approval. This assessment may be based on information in the application, prior compliance history of the applicant, and other information available to the Associate Administrator.
(e) Unless otherwise specified in this chapter or by the Associate Administrator, an approval in which a term is not specified does not expire.
(f) The Associate Administrator notifies the applicant in writing of the decision on the application. A denial contains a brief statement of reasons. For shipments of lithium cells and batteries specifically used for medical devices, as outlined in § 173.185(g) of this chapter, an approval shall be considered and either granted or denied not later than 45 days after receipt of a completed application.
§ 107.711   Withdrawal.
An application may be withdrawn at any time before a decision to grant or deny it is made. Withdrawal of an application does not authorize the removal of any related records from the PHMSA dockets or files. Applications that are eligible for confidential treatment under § 105.30 will remain confidential after the application is withdrawn. The duration of this confidential treatment for trade secrets and commercial or financial information is indefinite, unless the party requesting the confidential treatment of the materials notifies the Associate Administrator that the confidential treatment is no longer required.
§ 107.713   Approval modification, suspension or termination.
(a) The Associate Administrator may modify an approval on finding that—
(1) Modification is necessary to conform an existing approval to relevant statutes and regulations as they may be amended from time to time; or
(2) Modification is required by changed circumstances to enable the approval to continue to meet the standards of § 107.709(d).
(b) The Associate Administrator may modify, suspend or terminate an approval, as appropriate, on finding that—
(1) Because of a change in circumstances, the approval no longer is needed or no longer would be granted if applied for;
(2) The application contained inaccurate or incomplete information, and the approval would not have been granted had the application been accurate and complete;
(3) The application contained deliberately inaccurate or incomplete information; or
(4) The holder knowingly has violated the terms of the approval or an applicable requirement of this chapter in a manner demonstrating lack of fitness to conduct the activity for which the approval is required.
(c) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, before an approval is modified, suspended or terminated, the Associate Administrator notifies the holder in writing of the proposed action and the reasons for it, and provides an opportunity to show cause why the proposed action should not be taken.
(1) The holder may file a written response with the Associate Administrator within 30 days of receipt of notice of the proposed action.
(2) After considering the holder's or party's written response, or after 30 days have passed without response since receipt of the notice, the Associate Administrator notifies the holder in writing of the final decision with a brief statement of reasons.
(d) The Associate Administrator, if necessary to avoid a risk of significant harm to persons or property, may in the notification declare the proposed action immediately effective.
§ 107.715   Reconsideration.
(a) An applicant or a holder may request that the Associate Administrator reconsider a decision under § 107.709(f) or § 107.713(c). The request must:
(1) Be in writing and filed within 20 days of receipt of the decision;
(2) State in detail any alleged errors of fact and law;
(3) Enclose any additional information needed to support the request to reconsider; and
(4) State in detail the modification of the final decision sought.
(b) The Associate Administrator considers newly submitted information on a showing that the information could not reasonably have been submitted during application processing.
(c) The Associate Administrator grants or denies, in whole or in part, the relief requested and informs the requesting person in writing of the decision.
§ 107.717   Appeal.
(a) A person who requested reconsideration under § 107.715 may appeal to the Administrator the Associate Administrator's decision on the request. The appeal must:
(1) Be in writing and filed within 30 days of receipt of the Associate Administrator's decision on reconsideration;
(2) State in detail any alleged errors of fact and law;
(3) Enclose any additional information needed to support the appeal; and
(4) State in detail the modification of the final decision sought.
(b) The Administrator, if necessary to avoid a risk of significant harm to persons or property, may declare the Associate Administrator's action effective pending a decision on appeal.
(c) The Administrator grants or denies, in whole or in part, the relief requested and informs the appellant in writing of the decision on appeal. The Administrator's decision on appeal is the final administrative action.
§ 107.801   Purpose and scope.
(a) This subpart prescribes procedures for—
(1) A person who seeks approval to be an independent inspection agency to perform tests, inspections, verifications and certifications of DOT specification cylinders or UN pressure receptacles as required by parts 178 and 180 of this chapter;
(2) A person who seeks approval to engage in the requalification ( e.g. inspection, testing, or certification), rebuilding, or repair of a cylinder manufactured in accordance with a DOT specification or a pressure receptacle in accordance with a UN standard under subchapter C of this chapter or under the terms of a special permit issued under this part, or a cylinder or tube manufactured in accordance with a TC, CTC, CRC, or BTC specification under the Transport Canada TDG Regulations (IBR; see § 171.7 of this chapter);
(3) A person who seeks approval to perform the manufacturing chemical analyses and tests of DOT specification cylinders, special permit cylinders, or UN pressure receptacles outside the United States.
(b) No person may engage in a function identified in paragraph (a) of this section unless approved by the Associate Administrator in accordance with the provisions of this subpart. Each person must comply with the applicable requirements in this subpart. In addition, the procedural requirements in subpart H of this part apply to the filing, processing, and termination of an approval issued under this subpart.
§ 107.803   Approval of an independent inspection agency (IIA).
(a) General. Prior to performing cylinder inspections and verifications required by parts 178 and 180 of this chapter, a person must apply to the Associate Administrator for an approval as an independent inspection agency. A person approved as an independent inspection agency is not an PHMSA agent or representative.
(b) Criteria. No applicant for approval as an independent inspection agency may be engaged in the manufacture of cylinders for use in the transportation of hazardous materials, or be directly or indirectly controlled by, or have a financial involvement with, any entity that manufactures cylinders for use in the transportation of hazardous materials, except for providing services as an independent inspector.
(c) Application information. Each applicant must submit an application in conformance with § 107.705 containing the information prescribed in § 107.705(a). In addition, the application must contain the following information:
(1) Name and address of each facility where tests and inspections are to be performed.
(2) Detailed description of the inspection and testing facilities to be used by the applicant.
(3) Detailed description of the applicant's qualifications and ability to perform the inspections and to verify the inspections required by parts 178 and 180 of this chapter; or those required under the terms of a special permit issued under this part.
(4) Name, address, and principal business activity of each person having any direct or indirect ownership interest in the applicant greater than three percent and any direct or indirect ownership interest in each subsidiary or division of the applicant.
(5) Name of each individual whom the applicant proposes to employ as an inspector and who will be responsible for certifying inspection and test results, and a statement of that person's qualifications.
(6) An identification or qualification number assigned to each inspector who is supervised by a certifying inspector identified in paragraph (c)(5) of this section.
(7) A statement that the applicant will perform its functions independent of the manufacturers and owners of the cylinders.
(8) If the applicant's principal place of business is in a country other than the United States, the Associate Administrator may approve the applicant on the basis of an approval issued by the Competent Authority of the country of manufacture. The Competent Authority must maintain a current listing of approved IIAs and their identification marks. The applicant must provide a copy of the designation from the Competent Authority of that country delegating to the applicant an approval or designated agency authority for the type of packaging for which a DOT or UN designation is sought; and
(9) The signature of the person certifying the approval application and the date on which it was signed.
(d) Facility inspection. Upon the request of the Associate Administrator, the applicant must allow the Associate Administrator or the Associate Administrator's designee to inspect the applicant's facilities and records. The person seeking approval must bear the cost of the inspection.
(e) After approval, the Associate Administrator may authorize, upon request, the independent inspection agency to perform other inspections and functions for which the Associate Administrator finds the applicant to be qualified. Such additional authorizations will be noted on each inspection agency's approval documents.
§ 107.805   Approval of cylinder and pressure receptacle requalifiers.
(a) General. A person must meet the requirements of this section to be approved to inspect, test, certify, repair, or rebuild a cylinder in accordance with a DOT specification or a UN pressure receptacle under subpart C of part 178 or subpart C of part 180 of this chapter, or under the terms of a special permit issued under this part, or a TC, CTC, CRC, or BTC specification cylinder or tube manufactured in accordance with the TDG Regulations (IBR, see § 171.7 of this chapter).
(b) Independent Inspection Agency Review. Each applicant must arrange for an independent inspection agency, approved by the Associate Administrator pursuant to this subpart, to perform a review of its inspection or requalification operation. The person seeking approval must bear the cost of the inspection. A list of approved independent inspection agencies is available from the Associate Administrator at the address listed in § 107.705. Assistance in obtaining an approval is available from the same address.
(c) Application for approval. If the inspection performed by an independent inspection agency is completed with satisfactory results, the applicant must submit a letter of recommendation from the independent inspection agency, an inspection report, and an application containing the information prescribed in § 107.705(a). In addition, the application must contain—
(1) The name of the facility manager;
(2) The types of DOT specification or special permit cylinders, UN pressure receptacles, or TC, CTC, CRC, or BTC specification cylinders or tubes that will be inspected, tested, repaired, or rebuilt at the facility;
(3) A certification that the facility will operate in compliance with the applicable requirements of subchapter C of this chapter;
(4) The signature of the person making the certification and the date on which it was signed; and
(5) For a mobile unit operation (as defined in § 180.203 of subchapter C of this chapter), the type of equipment to be used, the specific vehicles to be used, the geographic area the applicant is requesting to operate within, and any differences between the mobile operation and the facility operation as described under paragraph (c)(2) of this section.
(d) Issuance of requalifier identification number (RIN). The Associate Administrator issues a RIN as evidence of approval to requalify DOT specification or special permit cylinders, or TC, CTC, CRC, or BTC specification cylinders or tubes, or UN pressure receptacles if it is determined, based on the applicant's submission and other available information, that the applicant's qualifications and, when applicable, facility are adequate to perform the requested functions in accordance with the criteria prescribed in subpart C of part 180 of this subchapter or TDG Regulations, as applicable.
(e) Expiration of RIN. Unless otherwise provided in the issuance letter, an approval expires five years from the date of issuance, provided the applicant's facility and qualifications are maintained at or above the level observed at the time of inspection by the independent inspection agency, or at the date of the certification in the application for approval for requalifiers only performing inspections made under § 180.209(g) of this chapter.
(f) Exceptions. The requirements in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section do not apply to:
(1) A person who only performs inspections in accordance with § 180.209(g) of this chapter provided the application contains the following, in addition to the information prescribed in § 107.705(a): Identifies the DOT specification/special permit cylinders to be inspected; certifies the requalifier will operate in compliance with the applicable requirements of subchapter C of this chapter; certifies the persons performing inspections have been trained and have the information contained in each applicable CGA publication incorporated by reference in § 171.7 of this chapter applicable to the requalifiers' activities; and includes the signature of the person making the certification and the date on which it was signed. Each person must comply with the applicable requirements in this subpart. In addition, the procedural requirements in subpart H of this part apply to the filing, processing and termination of an approval issued under this subpart; or
(2) A person holding a DOT-issued RIN to perform the requalification (inspect, test, certify), repair, or rebuild of DOT specification cylinders, that wishes to perform any of these actions on corresponding TC, CTC, CRC, or BTC cylinders or tubes may submit an application that, in addition to the information prescribed in § 107.705(a): Identifies the TC, CTC, CRC, or BTC specification cylinder(s) or tube(s) to be inspected; certifies the requalifier will operate in compliance with the applicable TDG Regulations; certifies the persons performing requalification have been trained in the functions applicable to the requalifiers' activities; and includes the signature of the person making the certification and the date on which it was signed. In addition, the procedural requirements in subpart H of this part apply to the filing, processing and termination of an approval issued under this subpart.
(3) A person holding a certificate of registration issued by Transport Canada in accordance with the TDG Regulations to perform the requalification (inspect, test, certify), repair, or rebuild of a TC, CTC, CRC, or BTC cylinder who performs any of these actions on corresponding DOT specification cylinders.
(g) Each holder of a current RIN shall report in writing any change in its name, address, ownership, testing equipment, or management or personnel performing any function under this section, to the Associate Administrator (PHH-32) within 20 days of the change.
§ 107.807   Approval of non-domestic chemical analyses and tests.
(a) General. A person who seeks to manufacture DOT specification or special permit cylinders outside the United States must seek an approval from the Associate Administrator to perform the chemical analyses and tests of those cylinders outside the United States.
(b) Application for approval. Each applicant must submit an application containing the information prescribed in § 107.705(a). In addition, the application must contain—
(1) The name, address, and a description of each facility at which cylinders are to be manufactured and chemical analyses and tests are to be performed;
(2) Complete details concerning the dimensions, materials of construction, wall thickness, water capacity, shape, type of joints, location and size of openings and other pertinent physical characteristics of each specification or special permit cylinder for which approval is being requested, including calculations for cylinder wall stress and wall thickness, which may be shown on a drawing or on separate sheets attached to a descriptive drawing;
(3) The name of the independent inspection agency to be used to certify the analyses and tests and a statement from the agency indicating that it is independent of and not owned by a cylinder manufacturer, owner, or distributor; and
(4) The signature of the person making the certification and the date on which it was signed.
(c) Facility inspections. Upon the request of the Associate Administrator, the applicant must allow the Associate Administrator or the Associate Administrator's designee to inspect the applicant's cylinder manufacturing and testing facilities and records, and must provide such materials and cylinders for analyses and tests as the Associate Administrator may specify. The applicant or holder must bear the cost of the initial and subsequent inspections, analyses, and tests.
§ 107.809   Conditions of UN pressure receptacle approvals.
(a) Each approval issued under this subpart contains the following conditions:
(1) Upon the request of the Associate Administrator, the applicant or holder must allow the Associate Administrator or the Associate Administrator's designee to inspect the applicant's pressure receptacle manufacturing and testing facilities and records, and must provide such materials and pressure receptacles for analyses and tests as the Associate Administrator may specify. The applicant or holder must bear the cost of the initial and subsequent inspections, analyses, and tests.
(2) Each holder must comply with all of the terms and conditions stated in the approval letter issued under this subpart.
(b) In addition to the conditions specified in § 107.713, an approval may be denied or if issued, suspended or terminated if the Competent Authority of the country of manufacture fails to initiate, maintain or recognize an IIA approved under this subpart; fails to recognize UN standard packagings manufactured in accordance with this subchapter; or implements a condition or limitation on United States citizens or organizations that is not required of its own citizenry.